A lot of fans are eagerly anticipating some news regarding what Francis Ngannou might do next. The former Heavyweight champion had a fallout with the UFC and decided to part ways with the organization. Now Bellator CEO, Scott Coker has shared some positive updates that may bring some good news.
Scott had this to say while talking about the negotiations,
“From my perspective, then you talk about signing him to Bellator, we’re also talking about having a conversation with him and Stephen (Espinoza), which happened earlier this week, about getting into Showtime pay-per-view boxing too. I think we have a great company to offer him both sides of the combat sports business that he would like to, which is fight MMA and also box. I think we’re a great fit. There are ongoing discussions, so we’ll see what happens.”
Will the Bellator CEO manage to sign Ngannou?
When asked about his reasons for departure, Francis cited some of the negotiation clauses he discussed with the UFC. Once fighters were allowed to wear different logos on their shorts during fights which would earn them extra money. But UFC later banned this practice and took the brand signing process upon themselves.
Ngannou also wanted more insurance-related facilities. As UFC sees a lot of martial action, all fighters are usually subjected to severe damage. Grappling seems like a slightly less harmful way of fighting but many fans want full frontal bloody combat. Such actions can cause long-term damage to athletes who could benefit from insurance.
‘The Predator’ also wanted free agency as a fighter where he could compete in sports like boxing even if he was signed with the UFC. There have been many rumors about him fighting the likes of Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Tyson Fury. He was also paid comparatively low for his title defense against Cyril Gane which can be a factor.
If Bellator can agree to his terms we could see the Cameroonian return in the future.
