Adesanya criticizes UFC's treatment of Ngannou

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has seemingly been excluded from promotional content leading up to Israel Adesanya's middleweight title fight against Dricus Du Plessis in Perth this weekend. Ngannou, who left the UFC last year to join rival organization PFL, has since ventured into boxing, facing notable opponents like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The UFC's decision to remove Ngannou's name from Adesanya's previous press conference remarks has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. In response to the omission, Adesanya acknowledged Ngannou's significant impact on the UFC, stating, "You can’t erase Francis’ legacy in the UFC. It's part of what we've done." He emphasized that Ngannou's contributions to the sport are undeniable and suggested that the UFC may eventually rectify the oversight. Adesanya characterized the situation as "a lot of chest puffing," hinting at underlying tensions within the organization. The middleweight champion also reflected on his personal journey, discussing the introspection he has undergone regarding his legacy and future in the sport. Adesanya expressed a desire for renewal and reinvention upon his return to the octagon, indicating that he is focused on his own path while acknowledging the history shared with fighters like Ngannou. As the UFC gears up for an exciting 2024, fans can expect to see more thrilling matchups and narratives unfold, with Adesanya's title defense set to be a highlight of the upcoming events.