Honest, Francis Ngannou reveals the big problem of UFC Paris!
As a former Parisian, Francis Ngannou had to be present for the arrival of the UFC in the French capital. A few weeks after this event, he spoke about it, indicating the big concern it has and which is weighing him down!
As soon as the big evening was announced, many observers hoped for his presence. A man of the people, Francis Ngannou did not disappoint them. Although injured and unavailable, the heavyweight champion has graced UFC Paris with his arrival. Just a few meters from the action, he offered the cameras some viral reactionsand delivered inflammatory comments about the event.
Francis Ngannou measured following the success of UFC Paris
Although originally from Cameroon, Ngannou spent many years on the streets of Paris, before training as a fighter at the MMA Factory. Attached to the development of his sport in France, he was obviously delighted with the first visit of the UFC on the spot. Despite a certain regret on the modalities of the eventit is the satisfaction that prevails in his mind, as he relates it to The sweat (full interview here):
Already, we must remember that the UFC in France is something we have dreamed of for a very long time. In the past, I was maybe the only French fighter (in the UFC), so I think I also recovered from this fight. Personally, it was something that I really understood at heart. So seeing the UFC in Paris was beautiful, it was a celebration. It was more of a historical event than a sporting event, actually.
It is true that the French MMA community has been asking for such an event on its land for years before winning its case. From then on, the atmosphere that reigned in the Accor Arena, which incidentally impressed Dana White, did not surprise Ngannou. On the other hand, the Predator does not expect this to give rise to a pay-per-view in the capital, as the boss of the federation could have mentioned. And for a specific reason:
The sweat : When you see the atmosphere that there was, and what Dana White said, that the UFC was going to come back for a Fight Night somewhere other than Paris, and then for a pay-per-view — which could potentially interest you — would you like to tell yourself that you would like to fight here?
Francois Ngannou: I would like to come, yes, but I am aware that the pay-per-view in Paris is not going right away. It’s going to be difficult, but yes, it’s something I would like. But as soon as I became champion, I knew it wouldn’t be possible, because the UFC can’t do a pay-per-view in Paris. The biggest pay-per-view market is the United States, and there’s also a huge time difference. So for them, it doesn’t make sense financially. There is a big difference between what they say and what they do.
If he would love to see the UFC return to Paris for a pay-per-view in which he could participate, Francis Ngannou places little hope in this possibility. Blame it on the unfavorable conditions for holding such an event far from the United States, to his greatest regret!