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Francis Ngannou’s Pretty Frustrated Title Shot Guarantee Hasn’t Happened

Francis Ngannou has needed less than three minutes…total…to take out Curtis Blaydes and former heavyweight champs, Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos. But, as this is being written, Ngannou has yet to receive a title shot guarantee. Well, in a recent interview, the ridiculously powerful fighter made it clear he’s not exactly thrilled with that fact.

Ngannou’s recent run

“The Predator” joined the UFC back in 2015, and after finishing six straight opponents, he was tapped for a title fight with Stipe Miocic in January, 2018. The now, two-time champ proceeded to defeat Ngannou by decision. The latter faced Derrick Lewis last November, and Ngannou lost the lackluster and extremely disappointing fight via split decision.

After that bout, there was a lot of talk and doubts, regarding Ngannou’s future as a top contender. But, since then, Ngannou has quickly wrecked Blaydes, Velaquez and JDS, and is ranked #2 in the heavyweight division.

Is a title shot next?

Due to his recent run, there have been widespread calls for Ngannou to fight for the belt again. But, as it stands right now, it’s still not clear if that will happen. Ngannou appeared on the latest edition of Ariel Helwani’s “MMA Show“, and he had this to say about the subject (quotes via MMA Mania):

“To be honest, I think I should fight the winner, regardless of who won the fight. Since it was Stipe, I think it would be good for me to have my rematch and the title shot” said Ngannou, while referring to Miocic’s stoppage win over Cormier at UFC 241.

“We have to do what needs to be done, I think I deserve the title shot so I should have it.”

“I haven’t been told that. I am confident but I don’t know exactly what is happening with UFC executives and what is their mindset,” said Ngannou, while reporting he hasn’t been told by the promotion that a title shot is next. “I see that they are not really clear on the answer of me deserving the title shot or where I’m fighting next. I don’t know what it is. I don’t understand why it’s not clear for them to say. It is a very frustrating situation right now. It’s not only what I want, but it makes sense.”

So, it’s not surprising to hear that Ngannou’s frustrated. After he took out Velasquez, he made it clear he thinks a title shot should be tabled. But, it’s likely this hasn’t happened yet, since we don’t know what the future holds for Cormier. If he decides he’s not retiring, and that he wants a trilogy fight with Miocic, the UFC will very likely sign on. If that happens, then the UFC could call on Ngannou to fight in the interim.

 

 

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