It was recently reported that UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will not be taking part at UFC 265 in Houston, Texas – three months after winning the championship. However, there will be an interim championship match between Ciryl Gane and Derrick Lewis that will be booked as that card’s main event. Francis Ngannou was ‘forced to delay’ this UFC fight
This gathered negative attention from Ngannou, but also a rather diplomatic response from Ngannou’s manager, Marquel Martin who stated that even though he was ‘shocked’ by the decision of Dana White and the UFC he hoped a new deal could be reached. However, Dana White soon lashed out at Martin stating that Ngannou should look for new management and fire Martin. On Instagram, the UFC executive stated the following
This dude is SO FULL OF S***!!! He knows EXACTLY what’s going on and isn’t “shocked” at all. because we told him several times this was coming. His management is incompetent and hopefully Francis starts taking a look at new people to help his career.
Originally the UFC wanted to book Ugannou against Derrick Lewis for the event – however, the current UFC heavyweight champion requested time off to visit family and friends in Camaroon.
