Jake Paul Praises Francis Ngannou for Taking a Stand Against UFC Over Wage Issues

• Francis Ngannou turned down an offer from the UFC which would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight.
• Jake Paul has praised The Predator for sticking to his guns, backing himself and not giving in to the UFC .
• Jon Jones will return to the UFC and take on Cyril Gane at UFC 285 for the vacant Heavyweight title.

Jake Paul has come out in praise of Francis Ngannou.

The former UFC Heavyweight Champion has been in the news of late after he was released by the organization and stripped of the belt.

The decision came after the UFC and the fighter couldn't agree to the terms of a new deal.

As noted by Essentially Sport, Dana White claimed that they offered The Predator a deal that would have seen him become the highest-paid heavyweight in the history of the UFC.

Cristiano: Eddie Howe addresses 'clause' linking star to Newcastle

Football

Ngannou chose to turn down the offer, upset that he was earning a crazy low amount for the majority of his time with the organization.

He's instead decided to bet on himself, something Paul is proud to see happen.

The influencer-turned-boxer praised Ngannou for not giving in to the money, saying that he will always be the Heavyweight champion, The Mirror reported.

“Francis Ngannou is the baddest man on the planet and is a free agent because he chose to be. He’s the heavyweight champ in MMA and will be until he looses," he said.

"They are not happy about this. But it’s reality and they have to deal with it. They have to live with it. They have to live with that every day," he added.

Leeds United boss says he does not enjoy his job in interesting admission

Football

Ngannou vs Fury now possible

What does the future hold for Francis Ngannou?

That's the question many are asking following the shock announcement that the Cameroonian MMA star was released from the UFC, Sports Brief reported.

The former Heavyweight champion was stripped of his title and a match between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane has since been announced for the vacant belt.

UFC vacates heavyweight title

Jon 'Bones' Jones will make his long-awaited return to the UFC in March, Sports Brief has reported.

Bones will compete at UFC 285, where he will fight for the heavyweight title vacated by Ngannou earlier this month.

The 35-year-old former light heavyweight champion last fought in December 2020, in a title defence against Dominik Reyes.