“I’ve Been in Those Shoes”: After Big PFL Move, Francis Ngannou Lauded by Ex-UFC Champ Over Dana White Defiance

The world was unhappy when Francis Ngannou walked out of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Dana White declared that the former UFC heavyweight champion vacated his title earlier in January 2023. After spending a lot of time as a free agent, Ngannou finally found a home at PFL. He signed a multi-million dollar deal with the promotion and got praised by the fans.

Although many were upset about the fighter leaving the UFC, many others stood beside him for the cause he was fighting against. Legendary mixed martial artist, Randy Couture also praised ‘The Predator’ in a recent interview with MMA News. Without a doubt, Couture believed that Ngannou was standing up for the right cause and deserved to be praised.

Randy Couture lauds the step Francis Ngannou took

The world has been engulfed in talks about the beef between Ngannou and the UFC president. Undeniably, most of the fans and professionals seemed to side with the Cameroonian. Even the former MMA fighter, Couture, supported Ngannou.

Couture said, “I’m proud of Francis for stepping, stepping up and standing up for himself, what’s best for him and his career. I’ve been in those shoes. It’s a scary thing. You think your career might be over. You might, you might not ever fight again, you might, you know.”

He seemed to be empathetic with Ngannou. Furthermore, the retired fighter commended Ngannou for putting his title and his achievements on the line for what he believed was the right thing.

He then added, “You don’t know what’s going to go on. And I was certainly in that boat, you know. Making waves and rattling my say for about ancillary rights and these cr*ppy contracts and some of the stuff that I tried to fight for in my era.”

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“And Francis is one of those guys, literally at the top echelon of his sport and he’s willing to put that on the line to step up and do what’s right for the fighters. And we haven’t seen anybody else willing to do at this stage.”

Even in January 2023, when Ngannou’s issues with the UFC were at their all-time high, Couture backed the Cameroonian-French fighter.

Why does Randy Couture support Ngannou?

‘The Predator’ has amassed a boatload of support from fans and professionals alike. However, the support has tilted to the heavy side with the UFC legend’s approval. Back in 2007, Couture also faced a similar issue.

He legally fought his way out of the MMA promotion for his athletic rights. After his retirement, the former fighter has taken it upon himself to support the fighters fighting against the restrictive rules of the UFC.

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