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In what could be one of the most electrifying comebacks in MMA history, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou is being strongly linked to a sensational return to the Octagon. Despite a contentious split from the promotion in 2023, recent updates from his camp have fueled speculation that the ‘Predator’ might once again unleash his power inside the UFC cage.
Francis Ngannou’s Journey
Ngannou’s departure from the UFC was one of the most talked-about exits in combat sports. After clinching the heavyweight title with a second-round knockout of Stipe Miocic in 2021 and successfully defending it against Ciryl Gane—despite fighting with a torn MCL and damaged ACL—Ngannou stood at the top of the sport. However, negotiations over a new contract broke down, with Ngannou walking away in pursuit of fair pay, creative freedom, and respect as an independent athlete.
“I think this is more about business than it is about ego,” Francis Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick recently told media. “At least it is from Francis’s side. He just wants to be treated like an independent contractor, paid fairly and given the freedom to pursue other opportunities.”
PFL, boxing & now... return?
Since leaving the UFC, Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he became the face of their Super Fights division. He also pursued boxing bouts against elite opponents like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. While he didn’t secure wins in the ring, he walked away with hefty paychecks and proved his legitimacy as a combat sports athlete.
Most recently, Francis Ngannou returned to MMA action with a dominant win over Renan Ferreira via ground and pound. But it’s not just about winning anymore—it's about legacy.
“Where does his motivation come from now? It’s not about money anymore. It’s about competition. And the best competition is in the UFC,” said Nicksick.
The UFC needs a heavyweight shake-up
The timing of Ngannou’s potential return couldn’t be more critical. The UFC’s heavyweight division is in a state of limbo. Jon Jones—current undisputed champion—remains sidelined, weighing retirement, while interim champ Tom Aspinall has waited nearly 600 days for a unification bout.
“Dana’s a smart businessman,” Nicksick noted. “I think he’s level-headed enough to say: the past is the past. Let’s explore the future.”
Francis Ngannou has remained active and visible, training hard and hinting that his fire for competition still burns bright. With no clear direction in the division, UFC president Dana White may have to make the bold move and bring the powerhouse back to restore excitement.
“He’s training, he looks happy to be back in the gym with the team,” Nicksick added, hinting that discussions may already be underway.
Could Ngannou vs. Aspinall—or even a dream rematch with Jones—be on the horizon? One thing’s for sure: the UFC needs a heavyweight revival, and Francis Ngannou might just be the storm coming.
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