2020 will wrap up soon, and as this is being written, there’s no news on when Francis Ngannou will get his second, long-awaited, shot at the UFC’s heavyweight crown. Well, the feared slugger has let it be known, once again, that he’s pretty frustrated with the situation.
Ngannou says there’s “no title” on the heavyweight division
The 34-year-old Ngannou has worked his way back into the #1 contender spot, thanks to a devastating run that has seen him run through Curtis Blaydes, Junior dos Santos, Cain Velasquez and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Ngannou’s KO win over the latter, was his last fight, and that took place in May.
Well, due to those victories, UFC President Dana White has said Ngannnou is next for the champ, Stipe Miocic. But, as noted above, no official word on the fight has come.
Ngannou has reported in recent weeks he’s tired of the situation, and in a more recent interview with MMA Fighting, he said this.
“My only thing with that trilogy is that [Stipe] has been holding the heavyweight division up for a long time,” Ngannou said. “There hasn’t been a title fight in this division for two years except for those between Stipe and D.C. and other than that there hasn’t been a fight with contenders, which is what contenders fight for.
To fight for the title but there is no title going on in this division. I don’t how long that is going to last. I’m sure it’s not just me saying that.
Other contenders who also feel the same way because if there’s not a title fight, contenders they’re not moving on. They’re just fighting without purpose. Without a real goal.
“Because when you’re a prospect, you fight to become a contender. When you’re a contender, you fight to be champion.
Now, heavyweight contenders right now don’t really know what they’re fighting for. For those who are fighting, obviously.
In my case, I’m not fighting. I can’t even dare say I’m fighting.”
In addition, Ngannou also said this.
“I just want to fight next,” Ngannou said. “It’s been seven months since my last fight.
I don’t know exactly for sure when is my next fight. It’s kind of like really hard to find motivation and everything.
Even when you’re training and don’t have motivation. It’s kind of a little bit hard.”
Understandable
Ngannou’s frustration here is understandable. But, there have been some really, unique factors here working against him.
First, the rubber match series with Miocic and Daniel Cormier. Due to the storied career of Cormier, and because he beat Miocic, the UFC’s decision to move forward with a third fight made sense.
That fight, however, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if not for that, chances are Miocic – Ngannou II would have happened already (Miocic beat Ngannou by decision in 2018).
Hopefully, this rematch gets finalized soon.
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