Francis Ngannou breaks silence on referee’s incompetence that led to ‘unnecessary damage’ in PFL’s main event
MMA superstar Francis Ngannou reacts to referee mishap that led to a late stoppage in the 'Battle of the Giants' main event in Abu Dhabi.
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Francis Ngannou knocks out Renan Ferreira (Image via Al Jazeera/X)
After being nearly 3 years away from the sport of MMA, Francis Ngannou finally made his return this past weekend. Going to head-to-head against Renan Ferreira, the Brazilian giant dwarfed the African in terms of size for the first time in his career. Ngannou’s venture into boxing saw him trading blows with the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Unfortunately for him, Ngannou failed to win in both boxing bouts. With boxing ambitions fulfilled, the 39-year-old set his sights on reclaiming the heavyweight crown in MMA. Taking center stage in the main event, the ‘Predator’ put on a dominant performance. The beatdown was so gruesome that it raised eyebrows at the stoppage. Finally, the MMA champion has offered his reaction to the controversy.
I thought about that, and the referee was right there and you know, as much as I wanted to win the fight, I didn’t want to throw unnecessary punch; I didn’t wanted to do unnecessary damage. I just wanted to win the fight and go home. I don’t want to stop to figure out to act, so I just keep pounding. So I think like this, 4-5 punches were necessary, and if it was me, we would have stopped earlier.
Francis Ngannou via The Ariel Helwani Show
Francis Ngannou’s performance was so impressive that even the UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones praised him. The unfortunate late stoppage led to fans being concerned about the Brazilian’s safety. Jones’s reaction seemed refreshing, and it even tugged Ngannou’s heartstrings. The African champion reacted to the champ’s words and called him a class act.
Jones is currently preparing for his own title defense at UFC 309 against Stipe Miocic. ‘Bones’ firmly believes his next fight would be his last, but the Cameroonian fighter still hopes for the super-fight. Even PFL’s head dared Dana White to book this clash. While the UFC does not want to co-promote, Ngannou remains optimistic about the matchup.
Francis Ngannou still gunning for blockbuster clash with Jon Jones
The duo once fought under the same banner of the UFC but never got around to fighting one another. Separated by a weight class, Jones took an ample amount of time to make the jump to heavyweight. The fight, unfortunately, never materialized, and now it seems even more unlikely, as Ngannou left for the PFL.
Speaking with Ariel Helwani, the PFL champion was quizzed about his thoughts on the match-up. He showcased an interest in taking up the challenge but also believed it could only happen if Dana White allowed it. The Cameroonian fighter also pointed out someone who can push for the fight to happen.
There’s a chance, on the level of 1 to 10, I can’t tell how many, but I know there’s a chance. I mean, basically like that fight also interest Turki and not many things resisted him.
Francis Ngannou via The Ariel Helwani Show
Jones is firmly looking down at the last leg of his career and wants to call it quits. The UFC boss doesn’t want to see his champion go, as there are several interesting match-ups to be made. Moreover, his dismissal of his competitors would make it even harder to come to an agreement.
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Ayank Chourasia
(91 Articles Published)