‘I Deserve Atleast Some Respect’- Francis Ngannou Responds to Dana White Over UFC Booking the Interim Title Fight for UFC 265

The UFC’s decision to set up an interim title fight between Ciryl Gane and Derrick Lewis was not very well received by the MMA community. Both fans and pundits alike were confused as to why an interim title fight made sense right now, as Francis Ngannou was willing and able to fight. 

White and the UFC wanted Ngannou to defend his title in August. However, ‘The Predator’ stated he would be ready to defend his title by September at the earliest. The promotion then snubbed the champion and went ahead to set up an interim title fight between ‘Bon Gamin’ and ‘The Black Beast’.

‘The Predator’ shared his thoughts on the Interim title. He said, ​​“I heard something today (from Dana White) like, ‘It’s going to be like the IBF and WBC unified title.’ No, there’s not a unified title. It’s one promotion, it’s one belt, the UFC belt. It’s not like it has a different name like the PFL coming to challenge the UFC, then we talk about unify the belt. I was there expecting to fight, and they just come up with some sort of interim title. That was very surprising because in the past we didn’t get an interim title, because Stipe wasn’t active and they didn’t even consider that at all. They didn’t want to talk about it.”

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‘The Predator’ continued, “I’m at the point where, when it comes to me, nothing good is coming my way, it looks like. They aren’t making anything good to come my way. It’s OK, but I think at this point regarding my last run, I deserve at least some respect as a UFC champion. I’ve been down, I know my low time, and I face it” (H/t mmajunkie.usatoday.com)

What is next for Francis Ngannou?

In the same interview, Ngannou stated that if he had the choice, he would like to face Jones. However, he understands that the winner of Lewis vs Gane will most likely be next for him. He further added that he hopes that the UFC does not call him and say that he is fighting on a certain date. 

Rather, he would like to have a good conversation with the UFC, where both parties come to a mutual agreement regarding his next fight and when it will take place. On the plus side, the unification bout will become even bigger now, given the history between Francis Ngannou and both Gane and Lewis.