UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has spoken out in defence of former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, following the UFC’s apparent attempt to distance itself from the Cameroonian fighter. Adesanya defends Ngannou, who left the UFC in 2023 and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and was notably omitted from a recent UFC video when Adesanya referred to him alongside Kamaru Usman and himself as the “three African kings.”
Adesanya, speaking ahead of his highly anticipated fight against South African middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, expressed his disappointment with the UFC’s actions. “You can’t erase Francis’ legacy in the UFC; it’s part of what we’ve done. I know he fights for the PFL now, but it’s history—trying not to talk about it is silly,” Adesanya stated. He emphasized that despite the competition between promotions, Ngannou’s contributions to the UFC cannot simply be wiped away. “The streets will always remember,” he added.
Ngannou, 37, had a high-profile departure from the UFC, citing a “lack of freedom” as the reason for his inability to agree on a new contract. He was stripped of his UFC heavyweight title upon leaving. Since then, Ngannou has ventured into the world of boxing, facing and losing to British heavyweights Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He is set to make his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira on October 19.
Adesanya’s comments highlight the ongoing tension between the UFC and its former champions who have moved on to other promotions. “It’s just a lot of chest puffing,” Adesanya remarked about the UFC’s actions. “They’ll rectify it eventually,” he added, expressing confidence that the organization will acknowledge Ngannou’s legacy in due time.
As the UFC and its former champions navigate this complex landscape, the legacy of fighters like Francis Ngannou remains a significant topic of discussion, with fans and fellow fighters alike recognizing the indelible mark they have left on the sport.
