“The Way We Do Business Has to Change”: Israel Adesanya Backs Francis Ngannou Following Reports of New Stricter UFC Contract for Fighters

The UFC has had to bear quite a few unfavorable news over the last few months, especially on topics of contracts and fighter pay. After the big news of Francis Ngannou‘s exit, the promotion has yet again been criticized by fans and fighters alike. This time around, it has more to do with changes in the current UFC contract rather than any particular fighter or their complaints. The reported changes have been slammed by critics since it is stated to add more restrictions to the fighters while also undoing some positive changes from the recent past.

Reacting to Francis Ngannou‘s exit, the Cameroonian’s friend and fellow fighter, Israel Adesanya too, has made a startling response. During a presser as part of UFC 284, the former middleweight champ shared his support for ‘The Predator’ and backed the heavyweight’s demands for better fighter provisions. His comments have come at a time when the UFC is already being criticized owing to the recent developments. Hence, making it an interesting scenario for fans to look at.

Israel Adesanya backs Francis Ngannou’s demands for better fighter provisions

While speaking to reporters at UFC 284, ‘The Last Stylebender’ was asked about his take on the Francis Ngannou controversy that ended up with the heavyweight bidding goodbye to the promotion. The New Zealander, without any sort of hesitation, claimed that he supported the demands made by Ngannou and stood steadfast by his friend.

“Francis made the right call. He’s the one that kicked in the door. We’ve all been behind him. We’ve been saying this for how long. If you guys go back on the tapes, I’ve been saying the same thing. I’m not gonna hop on about it, but he’s right, it’s little things you know.” stated Adesanya.

He continued to point out how the changes Ngannou asked for would mean better conditions for fighters; especially the ones fighting in undercards. The former heavyweight champ, too, in his negotiations, had requested health insurance as a part of the contracts.

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While talking about his conversations with ‘The Predator’, Adesanya recollected what the Cameroonian told him about the contracts.

“He’s told me, he said like he said ‘that’s not how we do business. But the way we do business has to change’, and it will change. He’s just the guy to kick in the door, you know.”

Ultimately, even after his untimely exit, ‘Stylebender’ was optimistic that Ngannou would return to the UFC again. He also declared that the 36-year-old was the best heavyweight in the history of the sport.

 “I think he’ll come back. He’s the greatest heavyweight we’ve ever had, not even just like in the UFC, in history you know.” expressed the City Kickboxing representative.

Adesanya‘s statement shouldn’t come as a surprise to MMA fans. Since the duo are quite close to each other owing to their African connection, the former middleweight champ clearly feels he needs to back Ngannou.

Major changes announced in UFC contracts, more restrictions added as per reports 

As per reports by various outlets, the UFC has brought about more restrictive changes in the current contracts. As reported by Bloody Elbow, the addition of an arbitrary agreement along with a class action waiver are the two critical changes that have been made. This update essentially means that fighters are now required to have disputes arbitrated instead of taking them to court while the class action waiver now protects the UFC from collective action and lawsuits in the future.

Many would feel that these changes have come up owing to the recent Ngannou controversy. Although that is mere speculation, what’s important is how it affects fighters and their future in the promotion. Some have argued that this could lead to athletes signing with other promotions; while many believe that the UFC will continue its monopoly. But whatever it may be, the statements coming from Israel Adesanya does make things rather interesting. Also, it might even lead to more fighters voicing their opinion on this matter.

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