'Months of stress': Superstar's breaking point before UFC split

Francis Ngannou has opened up on the "stress and anxiety" he dealt with during a messy exit from the UFC as he prepares to return to mixed martial arts with the PFL.

The 38-year-old cemented himself as one of the sport's biggest stars as he rose to claim the heavyweight title from the legendary Stipe Miocic in March 2021.

But after just one successful defence of the UFC strap against Ciryrl Gane, Ngannou stepped away from the organisation after a well-documented contract dispute.

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Ngannou's desire to explore other options, including boxing, as well as disagreements with president Dana White ultimately led to him opting not to renew his deal.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani in December 2023, Ngannou revealed that he asked for health insurance and the ability to have sponsorships for all UFC fighters, but those requests were ultimately denied by those in charge.

Since then, the Cameroonian powerhouse has signed with rival promotion PFL and stepped into the boxing ring, battling with superstars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

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But now, the time has come for Ngannou to go back to his roots, leaving behind his ugly fallout with the UFC and turning his attention towards the PFL's top heavyweight prize.

Speaking exclusively to Wide World of Sports ahead of his debut on October 20 (AEST), the man known as "The Predator" spoke openly about the rollercoaster past two years and why he's happier than ever before under the PFL umbrella.

"In a way, yes it was a tough decision because it's not something I ever imagined, leaving the UFC," Ngannou said.

"I came to a point that I had a disagreement on a lot of aspects. I couldn't get treated like that, it wasn't something that was good for my personal development or career.

"It wasn't something that I stand by, so I decided to do what was right - even though it was tough. It had been months of stress and anxiety ... what am I going to do?

"It was a long-term relationship, I had never even thought of a back up. I had to deal with all of these things that were difficult for me. 

"It is different in PFL in a lot of aspects. First of all, even the way that we communicate. The way that they approach things is way different. It's more respectful and more valuable to a person, even to your dignity.

"At the end of the day, we are all men and we all have our own pride. There's a huge difference, even though it might not seem like that much."

Just this week, White claimed that Ngannou was offered more money to stay in UFC for a potential superfight with Jon Jones than he ended up making in boxing, adding further fuel to the fire between the two parties.

"I know all the shit that you people don't know ... I know the real numbers," he said. https://twitter.com/ChampRDS/status/1841306742161846728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

While the back and forth jabs are still flying between Ngannou and his former employer, the slate will be wiped clean when he takes on Renan Ferreira later this month.

Ferreria (13-3-3) is on a four-fight win streak heading into the heavyweight clash, claiming the PFL title earlier this year with a TKO against Ryan Bader.

Since the last time Ngannou fought, the powerful Brazilian star has competed inside the cage eight times - but recent inactivity won't be an issue.

"Yes, it's been a while and I'm quite excited - I miss MMA a lot," Ngannou said. 

"I have been watching him for a long time - even before anyone knew we are going to fight each other. I have been watching him closely."

Ngannou is brimming with confidence for the bout, giving a blunt two-word response when asked for a prediction.

"Me winning," Ngannou replied.

When pressed further, Ngannou said there will be nothing "simple" about his methods.

"I've been training for almost four months," he said.

"It's not simple at all - what could be the scenario or the way of me winning, whether it be KO or TKO or what round, none of that is simple at all."