Francis Ngannou says UFC fighters lack the courage to pursue free agency
Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images Francis Ngannou knows he’s gone down a path most fighters wouldn’t choose, especially considering how things have played out since 2023. Ngannou left the UFC in early 2023 after a lengthy contract dispute.
Since then, he’s fought once under the PFL banner and also made his long-awaited move into boxing. He’s now getting ready to step back into MMA for the first time since October 2024, with a bout against Philipe Lins scheduled for May. The fight will be part of Netflix’s first live MMA event, and Ngannou believes that many well-known fighters are missing out by not getting involved.
Ngannou on why fighters should embrace free agency Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC Francis Ngannou will be among several former UFC fighters competing at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on May 16. Nate Diaz will take on Mike Perry, with Junior dos Santos and Muhammad Mokaev also set to appear. The main event features Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano.
At a recent press conference in New York, Diaz referred to the card as being filled with “free” fighters, a description Ngannou strongly agreed with. In an interview with ESPN, ‘The Predator’ expanded on his view that more fighters should consider free agency. “There’s always the opportunity,” Ngannou said.
“I think you just have to be around and be free. Make sure you’re in the position to catch that opportunity when it comes. If you get yourself stuck in a contract because you’re afraid of being alone out there, when the opportunity comes, you might be stuck in some contract.