ONE Championship ends talks with former UFC champ Francis Ngannou after ‘careful reflection’
- Chatri Sityodtong says he spoke with Ngannou last weekend for ‘almost 3 hours’ to discuss a final offer
- ‘I didn’t feel Francis and I were fully aligned on non-financial matters. It is nothing personal,’ ONE boss tells the Post
ONE Championship will not be signing Francis Ngannou after all.
Chatri Sityodtong – the martial arts promotion’s chairman and CEO – met the former UFC heavyweight champion in Los Angeles at the weekend to discuss a final offer.
Singapore-based ONE is set to stage its first on-ground US event on Friday in Denver, Colorado. The possibility of Ngannou making an appearance at 1stBank Centre seemed likely, after Chatri had previously told fans to expect “big news shortly” last week.
But talks with the free agent proved fruitless, and ONE has ended its pursuit of his signature.
“I met with Francis yesterday for almost 3 hours,” Chatri told the Post via text message on Monday. “ONE has decided to withdraw from the process of bidding for Francis Ngannou’s services.
“After careful reflection, we decided not to submit our final offer. Francis is a good guy and a good champion. I wish him continued success and happiness.
