As he approaches his second bout as a professional boxer, Francis Ngannou is beaming with happiness. This satisfaction is all the more significant for him because he risked a lot by distancing himself from the UFC. In an exchange with French football icon Thierry Henry, he opened up about this chapter in his life.
Francis Ngannou embodies the importance of patience and determination in the quest for success. He had to wait until the age of 37 to begin the most brilliant chapter of his career, a chapter he writes with audacity. Against all the odds, he has established himself as an iconic figure in professional boxing.
Although MMA has been the springboard for his fame and reputation, Ngannou’s dream has always been to shine in the ring, following in the footsteps of Mohamed Ali, Joe Frazier and other legends. Driven by intuition, he chose to distance himself from the UFC, an organisation unaccustomed to having its champions challenge it.
Francis Ngannou speaks frankly about his feelings on the UFC
Convinced that he would not be able to fulfil his dream as long as he remained under the aegis of Dana White, the ‘Predator’ opted to relinquish his title and leave the organisation at the height of its glory, in search of an environment more conducive to his boxing and MMA ambitions. It was a gamble that paid off, a choice he explained during his appearance on the programme “The Bridge”, hosted by the footballer Aurélien Tchouaméni. Confronted by Thierry Henry, he confided that he did not see himself solely as a fighter.
“Even before I started negotiations with the UFC, I knew I couldn’t win this fight, but I still wanted to make my voice heard. The most important thing for me was to be adamant about what I really wanted. I said to myself, “If I have to go back to Africa and run a farm, then I’m going to do it, because I love being on the farm.” Fighting is not what defines me as a person.
I know I can do something else and still be happy. As long as I do the things I choose to do, I’m going to be happy. I don’t need to be a world champion to be happy. I don’t need to be on stage either. As long as I give everything I’ve got, I’ll be happy. “
His quest for happiness goes beyond the ring, a conviction that enabled him to stand up to Dana White and the UFC a few months ago. Ready to sacrifice everything, including returning to Cameroon if the need arose, to remain true to his convictions and principles. A champion at heart, but above all a man of values.
Francis Ngannou’s determination to risk everything during his negotiations with the UFC makes his current situation all the more gratifying. He is not only an MMA icon, but also an esteemed and sought-after boxer, embodying everything he has ever dreamed of.
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