FRANCIS NGANNOU's win over Ciryl Gane could be his last fight in the UFC.
The 34-year-old Cameroonian-born Frenchman retained his heavyweight title in UFC 270's main event with a unanimous victory over his former training partner.
Francis Ngannou won his UFC 270 heavyweight title with a decision victory over Ciryl Gane
However, he will need to undergo knee surgery for a torn ACL and MCL. This will leave him on the sidelines at least NINE month. He could also be able to finish the remaining UFC contract.
Marquel Martin, manager of MMA Fighting, stated to MMA Fighting that he would need surgery in March.
"There are times when the timeline may vary but you should expect to recover in 9-10 months.
He will likely repair the ACL, and then fix any other damage such as the MCL or other.
Ngannou's current contract with UFC, which he signed in December 2017, is due to expire in December.
He turned down the offer of a new PS5million deal.
Ngannou would like the terms of the offer to be amended so that he has more freedom and can box.
Ngannou has not been granted by the UFC, a position that has prompted Xtreme Couture to entertain the possibility of free agency.
Ngannou would like to continue his tenure in mixed martial art's premier promotion, but he won't if his conditions are not met.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour he stated: "The contract, everything they put into it, they hold you like they have in captivity.
"You don't have any rights, and you can't do anything." The contract is unilateral.
"You don’t even have any health insurance while doing this. You are putting your life on the line to put on the show. You are taking on everything.
He said, "You can be free while fighting for the UFC. I want to be free.
"We are supposedly independent contractors. Technically, an independent contractor is a person who is not dependent on another.
"That's why they need to make some changes in that contract. This is what I have been fighting for.
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