Francis Ngannou’s contract dispute with the UFC will now become a less urgent problem to solve after the news that the promotion’s heavyweight king will be sidelined for the next nine months following knee surgery.
ESPN was first to report on Wednesday that Ngannou (17-3) needs surgery to repair damage to the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his knee. Ngannou said that prior to the title unification bout he won against Ciryl Gane (10-1) on Saturday night he injured the joint and there was a real possibility he might not make it to fight night.
“The Predator’s” UFC 270 title defense was also the final fight of his UFC contract, a matter the fighter and UFC president Dana White said would be addressed. Ngannou plans to return to Cameroon for the surgery and recovery, according to his manager Marquel Martin.
Francis Ngannou will be sidelined nine months following knee surgery
“I continue to be amazed and inspired by Francis’ heart and resilience,” Martin told ESPN. “Fighting on one leg to overcome all odds, and remind the world he is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I think we can all agree he deserves some time to go back home and be with his family and countrymen.
“Upon his return, we plan on getting surgery and starting the recovery process, so we can get him back to 100 percent as soon as possible. In the meantime, we hope we can find a peaceful resolution in these contract talks. We’d like to thank all the fans for their continued support and belief in Francis.”
Martin and UFC exchanged multiple proposals for a contract prior to the fight with Gane at UFC 270 and have previously said he is interested in boxing.
The California State Athletic Commission reported his base pay for his title defense last week was $600,000.
–Field Level Media
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