FRANCIS NGANNOU has refused to extend his UFC contract and criticised Dana White, the promotion's president, for borrowing money to finance his training camp.
UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou is reportedly down to his last fight under his current contract with the MMA giants. He prepares for a bout against interim champion Ciryl Ganes at UFC 270 on January 22.
The Predator's clause, as well as various UFC extensions, make things even more complicated.
The Cameroonian bruiser is seeking better terms, and even considering following the same path as former MMA stars, who are now boxing.
Ngannou said to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, "They've been trying pressure with those extensions. But I didn't sign a new contract."
"And that's what I believe is the main issue. This is what is causing all the problems. I don't want a new deal with certain terms.
It doesn't work because I don’t feel secure in those terms. I've fought twice in the last two years and now I need to borrow money to leave.
"Nobody cares. That deal is not guaranteed. And I have no quotation.
"So, I learned from that experience and want to do better. My contract terms are better and I get paid what I'm due.
"I don't feel the need to borrow money to pay for my training camp. I will eventually go after the [boxing] money. I will go boxing. It's a sure thing.
According to the contract, I am an Independent Contractor. What I want is a contract that has a date for termination. I will do what I please.
"That's it, Independent Contractor. There may be a termination date. You are then free to do what you want.
"Then, you have the right to choose again where you are going and what you're doing.
"You don’t have to sign or stay in the same contract. That's not Independent Contractor.
According to SBNation Ngannou's problems are not isolated events. Some fighters are trying to resolve them in a class-action lawsuit against UFC.
Various personalities of the fighting world have spoken up against the organisation's pay to fighters, such as YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Paul recently stated: "It is something I'm bullish about and something that needs changing."
"When we were building the undercard for my fight, I was like, "We need to ensure that this fight, these fighters and every person on this card get paid the highest amount they have ever been paid to fight."
"I want to spread wealth, be about my words, and put action behind them. I want to be the change and not just talk about it."
