Francis Ngannou Says He Won't Fight Under Current Contract Beyond UFC 270

AP Photo/Gregory Payan

Francis Ngannou said he will not fight after his title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 on January 22.

I will not fight for more than $500,000. Ngannou said that it was over, according to a report byBrett Okamoto. I took this fight because I want to make sure that I have completed the fights, even if it's not fair.

The next bout will be the last of his eight-fight deal, although there is a champion's clause in his contract, according to Okamoto. He will be under contract with the UFC for three more fights or one year if he keeps the belt.

Ngannou is willing to hold out if necessary.

He won the title with a knockout win over Stipe Miocic. His fifth knockout victory in a row was his fifth victory in a row, and he is now considered the fourth pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.
UFC would be a big loss if he left, but president Dana White seemed to be unaffected.

"You don't always come to terms with people," White said last month. If you want to be with us, we'd love to have you. No problem if you don't want to be with us. All good.

Marquel Martin said it was up to the UFC to complete a deal.

"We've tried to get a deal done with the UFC, but we haven't seen eye to eye," Martin said. "Dana's decision is whether or not they want to come back to the table and have a conversation."

If Ngannou wins his bout against Gane, there will be a difficult legal battle.

If Ngannou were to become a free agent, there would be interest in other mixed martial arts organizations.
The UFC star and the boxing champ are both interested in a potential match up.

This would be a big deal, but it could come down to Ngannou's contract status with UFC.