RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – In the unfortunate turn of events, the UFC heavyweight title fight has been canceled due to injury. Francis Ngannou, the former champion who left the promotion in 2022, does not take delight in this news. Despite Jon Jones’ withdrawal from the UFC 295 main event against Stipe Miocic because of a torn pectoral muscle, Ngannou feels no sense of vindication or joy. During an open workout before his boxing match with Tyson Fury, Ngannou expressed his sadness and concern for injured athletes saying, “It’s never good news when athletes get injured, you know? Basically, in training. I hope he recovers well. I was very excited to watch that fight and see who was going to win that fight.”
Ngannou understands that injuries are a risk in combat sports and doesn’t blame anyone for what happened. He acknowledges that such incidents can happen to anyone and emphasizes the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the situation. Despite the addition of an impromptu interim title fight between Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall at Madison Square Garden, Ngannou’s focus remains on his own position in the combat sports landscape and his upcoming crossover superfight at Riyadh Arena.
Reflecting on his current situation, Ngannou shared, “I’m out here living my dream, living in the big stage. I think whether there’s an undisputed champion out there or not, I’m happy to be part of the game.”
For more information about the matchup, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Fury vs. Ngannou.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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