Francis Ngannou insists leaving UFC was best decision for legacy

Francis Ngannou has no regrets after opting to leave the UFC. Ngannou (18-3) exited the UFC as heavyweight champion when he failed to come to terms with the promotion on a new deal in 2023. He asked for several requirements such as the ability to box and health insurance for fighters, which weren't met.

He wound up signing with PFL, but only competed once under their banner in October 2024 when he knocked out Renan Ferreira in the first round to win the Super Fights heavyweight title. He parted ways with PFL earlier this month. Just one fight for Ngannou in MMA ever since, but "The Predator" cashed in on two massive paychecks by boxing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

"That was the best decision I think maybe in my whole career because that was a legacy right there," Ngannou said on his YouTube channel . "You have to put that down in the books: something nobody had done, and I did it. I went out and made it.

It's been quite good, stepping out, going after the two best boxers out there, then went to another promotion (PFL) and took their super belt. So I'm very satisfied about that. " Ngannou returns to the cage against Philipe Lins on the May 16 Rousey vs.