Francis Ngannou on UFC Exit: "Best Decision of My Life"

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has once again asserted that his decision to leave the promotion was not a mistake, pushing back against ongoing criticism regarding his career choices.

In 2023, Ngannou opted not to renew his contract with the UFC after extensive negotiations stalled over his demands. Following his high-profile departure, he secured a multi-fight deal with the PFL and also participated in lucrative boxing matches against top heavyweights Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Despite these significant ventures, the 39-year-old has competed in only one mixed martial arts bout since exiting the UFC.

Earlier this year, Ngannou also parted ways with the PFL. He is now slated to make his return to the octagon on May 16 under the Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) banner, where "The Predator" will face Philipe Lins on a Netflix fight card that also features Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano.

Does Francis Ngannou Regret Leaving the UFC?

When questioned by Ariel Helwani about any potential regrets, Ngannou unequivocally stated that leaving the UFC was the "best decision of my life" and a significant part of his legacy. He emphasized forging a unique path in combat sports:

“It’s the best decision of my life… It’s part of a legacy because I’ve done something that nobody has done before. Nobody could have reached the position I’m in right now before.”

Ngannou further elaborated that his departure opened doors to more lucrative opportunities, highlighting his pioneering role in MVP's inaugural MMA event and Netflix's first live MMA broadcast:

“I opened that door, and I did it my own way. I was the first. What do you want me to prove? I went out there being the first to take on two of the best boxers at the moment, and now I’m the first to open the first MMA event on Netflix… If somebody doesn’t understand, then they need no explanation.”

Discussing his legacy earlier this month after the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano press conference, Ngannou told MMA Junkie that true legacy, for him, is about providing for one's family, rather than abstract notions of fighting history:

“Let me tell you what’s legacy. My legacy right now is my kids back home, my family back home getting health care, getting security, being able to put food on the table, and being able to put a roof over their heads. That’s a better legacy. You can have the Muhammad Ali legacy, or whatever you want; if your kid cannot attend school, he has no place in society. If your kid doesn’t have food in his stomach, that legacy doesn’t help you for anything.”

“You cannot go to the store, or to the gas station, or to school, and pay the school a fee with legacy. You have to understand that. This is bullsh*t; the promotion feeds fighters and tricks fighters, and they’re all out there ‘fighting for legacy.’ Good for you. Keep the legacy. Give me my pay, what I deserve.”