“Freedom” or “Legacy”? UFC President Dana White Put Forward a Tough Choice for Francis Ngannou

The contract dispute saga between Francis Ngannou and the UFC is still going strong. The UFC heavyweight champion has been vocal in his demands for a new contract since January 2022. Despite beating a legend like Stipe Miocic to secure the title, Ngannou felt he did not receive his worth from the current contract. The situation became even tenser following his defense against Ciryl Gane in January this year. However, it appears to be reaching a climax if we are to believe UFC president Dana White.

In a recent sit down with ESPN for a year-end review of 2022, Dana White shed some light on the Ngannou contract situation. White showed his hardball negotiation tactics by offering a tough choice for the champion.

“Freedom” or “Legacy”- Dana White to Francis Ngannou

Speaking to Brett Okamoto, Dana White updated the fans on the Francis Ngannou situation. White seemed optimistic about reaching an agreement with the Cameroonian. The 53-year-old also added “The Predator” should finish his legacy at the UFC.

“I think that we’re heading in the right direction with Francis. There’s no doubt about it that this is where Francis should be and Francis should, you know, finish his legacy here at the UFC. And I think we’re pretty close to getting it done.”

However, White showed his negotiation skills in the statements that followed. The UFC head honcho emphasized that the promotion would reciprocate the feelings of its competitors. White assured that they would keep an athlete that they wanted at all costs, but left the ball in Ngannou‘s court with the follow-up remarks.

He said, “We’re either all in or we’re not. If you want to be with us and you want to be here and, you know, you want to be a part of what we’re doing here, we want you here too. And if you don’t, then it’s mutual.”

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The UFC president stated that Ngannou was free to pursue his interests outside the UFC as well. “There’s no problem with that. You can move on and do your thing.”

What Francis Ngannou wanted from the UFC

Back in January 2022, Francis Ngannou voiced his frustrations with the UFC’s treatment of him. Ngannou was essentially demanding more “freedom” from his UFC contract. He believed that with his title defense at UFC 270, he fulfilled the current contract.

The 36-year-old felt he should have earned a lot more during his reign as champion. Aside from that, Ngannou wants to explore options outside the UFC as well.

He also revealed the UFC tried to negotiate a new contract that offered more money prior to his UFC 270 bout. However, that did not pan out. “Whether you want freedom, whether you want money. You give up one to gain one,” Ngannou said.

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What do you make of White’s statements? Do you think we will see Ngannou compete for the UFC again? Let us know in the comments below.