Should The UFC Reclaim Francis Ngannou?

The departure of Francis Ngannou from the UFC sent shockwaves through the MMA community. The former heavyweight champion opted not to re-sign with the organization, and went into other ventures- joining PFL MMA, as well as kickstarting his professional boxing career.

Needless to say, despite not being a part of MMA’s top dog promotion anymore, there’s no eclipse in Ngannou’s fame and rather, the French-Cameroonian has remained at the cream of the combat sports fraternity, with his popularity still on the climb.

The former UFC heavyweight champion almost caused an upset against Tyson Fury last October, and is now set to have another blockbuster boxing fight against Anthony Joshua this 8th of March, which has garnered the attention of the fight fans all across the globe,

leaving fans wondering if the UFC should make efforts to bring him back.

Let’s explore the arguments for and against Ngannou’s return to the octagon.

A Calculated Gamble: Pros and Cons of Francis Ngannou Returning to UFC

One of the biggest positives if the UFC gets Francis Ngannou back is that he’s a bona fide star. His meteoric rise, devastating knockouts, and larger-than-life persona make him a marketable asset. The UFC thrives on marquee names, and Ngannou’s presence adds excitement to any fight card.

The heavyweight division lacks a dominant force. Ngannou’s return injects life into the weight class. His battles with the likes of Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, and Derrick Lewis promise fireworks. Fans crave these matchups, and the UFC benefits from the buzz.

Ngannou’s fights generate revenue. Pay-per-view buys, ticket sales, and merchandise—his name sells. The UFC’s financial health relies on blockbuster events, and Ngannou delivers.

However, there would be some downsides to his return.

Ngannou’s departure followed prolonged contract negotiations. Things hadn’t been smooth with Dana White in the past, and the UFC President had even declared that Ngannou would never fight in the UFC again and recently called him a “gimmick fighter“.

Bringing him back might set a precedent that undermines the organization’s bargaining power.

Ngannou explored options with the ONE Championship and BKFC. If he finds success elsewhere, the UFC’s urgency to re-sign him diminishes. The promotion must weigh the risk of losing him permanently against the potential reward.

Furthermore, Ngannou is 36 years old. Time isn’t on his side. His desire to box world champions could lead him away from MMA altogether. The UFC must evaluate whether investing in him aligns with their long-term goals.

Francis Ngannou’s return guarantees excitement, but it also risks validating his negotiation tactics. The organization must weigh the short-term gains against the long-term implications. Whether they would ever reclaim The Predator remains uncertain, but fans hope for a blockbuster comeback for “The Predator” this Friday night in Riyadh.

ALSO READ: Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou 2- What Can Happen If The Rematch Takes Place Without Boxing Rules?