Not Pay or Healthcare, Joe Rogan Reveals the Real Reason Behind Francis Ngannou Leaving the UFC

Francis Ngannou‘s exit from the UFC has got the world talking about the way UFC contracts work. ‘The Predator’ claimed to have felt contractually restricted in Dana White‘s promotion. Meanwhile, Joe Rogan has shared his thoughts on why Francis Ngannou really left the UFC after getting the biggest contract ever.

The promotion offered Francis Ngannou $8 million to fight, Jon Jones. This would have been the biggest mixed martial arts fight in 2023. However, negotiations broke down between both parties and the Cameroonian fighter decided to walk away from the promotion. Dana White was then forced to strip Francis Ngannou of his heavyweight title. The champion belt will be up for grabs at UFC 285 as Jon Jones will battle it out against Cyril Gane.

Ngannou‘s exit has brought up the issue of fighter pay in the promotion and the freedom to serve the personal interests of the fighters. UFC commentator Joe Rogan touched upon this topic in the JRE MMA show with guest and fellow UFC commentator Paul Felder.

Joe Rogan empathizes with Francis Ngannou’s decision to walk away from UFC

Joe Rogan is always vocal with his opinions about whatever comes to his mind. He claims that he understands that Ngannou wanted to do boxing matches. The money is clearly there. Rogan said, “They offered him more money than any other heavyweight.”

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The 55-year-old then continued, “But I think the sticking point I think was that he wanted to be able and go off to do boxing.”

Rogan believes that ‘The Predator’ must have thought about Conor McGregor‘s fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. It was one of the biggest fights ever, which grossed over 4 million pay-per-view buys.

The former Fear Factor host said, “To his credit, he’s like, ‘Conor McGregor did it. Why can’t I do it?’ and I get it.”

Further speaking on the subject, he added, “Conor made a hundred million dollars in the Floyd Mayweather fight. That’s generational wealth.”

Francis Ngannou also asked the UFC for the right to get sponsorships, a representative for fighters in board meetings, and healthcare benefits. But none of these requests went through. He has received a variety of offers, including one from BKFC. We will have to wait and see Ngannou‘s next venture.

What are your thoughts on Rogan’s comments? Drop your comments below.

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