03 April 2023 , 09:59
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Francis Ngannou has been told he "shot himself in the foot" after leaving the UFC in search of a potential boxing fight.
Ngannou vacated his UFC heavyweight title after failing to agree a new deal with the promotion earlier this year, which now sees him as a free agent. The Cameroon star has been negotiating a number of different opportunities since departing the UFC including a series of boxing fights, which he has hinted at due to the potentially lucrative nature of the bouts.
A whole host of possible opponents could be on the cards including American heavyweight Deontay Wilder with the pair currently in talks over a two-fight deal in Saudi Arabia. However, UFC legend Jose Aldo, who has himself made the switch to the boxing ring, believes Ngannou has made a huge mistake by seeking better financial terms.
"With all [humility], I think Ngannou shot himself in the foot," Aldo said when translated by MMA Fighting. "He had everything to [gain from signing] a great contract, the biggest [amount] in heavyweight [to date], but this desire to be a boxing champion or to fight in boxing? People see the top of the boxing pyramid getting paid big numbers but forget that the lower part is paid so little.
"I think the UFC has bigger salaries than boxing. It’s like saying I want to play soccer because they get paid millions but forget only five per cent get paid millions, the rest make way below that.
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"People say that the UFC doesn’t pay that well, but it does. That’s why it’s the biggest organisation. You can make money like [big] boxers can. Conor [McGregor], Ronda Rousey. People say women don’t make money and she’s made it, right?”
Ngannou's first rival in the boxing world was previously Dillian Whyte as the pair traded words over a potential showdown during the Cameroon star's heavyweight rise. However in recent times, 'The Predator' has talked up a clash against WBC champion Fury who has publicly agreed to terms on social media.
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Despite being linked with a quest in the squared circle, Ngannou is also expected to continue his future in MMA and would be open to a dual-career with fights in both. But he has suggested the current closest option is a shot at the 'Bronze Bomber' who is yet to announce his own heavyweight comeback.
He said on the MMA Hour: "Yes, we have had the conversation and at this moment, we're more closer than with anybody else. I think somebody will take somebody’s head off. I would just try [for it] not to be mine. I think that’s probably what’s going to happen.
“I have made a decision. Without making a done deal, I know what my next move is going to be. I know that I want to fight boxing first and then after that I will fight MMA."