MMA
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has criticized the UFC for its misleading portrayal of Tafon Nchukwi as the sole Cameroonian fighter on their roster. Ngannou hailing from Cameroon himself, expressed his frustration on social media, highlighting that there are other Cameroonian fighters in the mix, such as Nchukwi, Tai Tuivasa, and Junior dos Santos.
Taking to Twitter, Ngannou wrote, "The UFC is presenting Tafon Nchukwi as the only Cameroonian fighter on the roster, which is misleading to the public. There are other Cameroonian fighters, including myself, Tai Tuivasa, and Junior dos Santos. The UFC needs to rectify this misleading promotion."
Ngannou's remarks were prompted by a recent UFC promotional video for Nchukwi's upcoming bout against Nicolae Negumereanu. The video featured the slogan "Cameroon's Last Hope," a statement that Ngannou finds both inaccurate and disrespectful to his fellow Cameroonian fighters.
"The UFC is trying to elevate Tafon as the sole significant Cameroonian fighter," Ngannou stated. "This isn't accurate. There are other Cameroonian fighters who are equally, if not more, skilled than Tafon. The UFC must reconsider this disrespectful promotion."
As of now, the UFC has not issued a response to Ngannou's critique. However, the promotion's history suggests that changes to its promotional strategy are unlikely. Ngannou's comments underline the contentious relationship between the UFC and its fighters, a relationship often marked by underpayment and exploitation.
Ngannou's statements underscore the necessity for the UFC to adopt a more transparent and respectful approach toward its fighters. The aftermath of Ngannou's remarks remains uncertain, leaving observers to wait and see if the UFC will take his concerns seriously while putting the organization's promotional methods in the spotlight.
