UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland wants to see his team-mate and now free agent Francis Ngannou enjoy “go f*** yourself money” by fighting Tyson Fury.
President Dana White revealed the Cameroonian-French fighter had been released from the UFC after failing to agree new terms on his deal.
White claimed the contract offered would have made Ngannou the “highest-paid heavyweight” in the history of UFC.
But the two parties have failed to strike a deal after long-running talks, leaving Ngannou as a free agent and the heavyweight belt has been vacated.
A crossover to boxing had been teased earlier last year when Ngannou appeared in the ring following Fury’s WBC title win over Dillian Whyte.
Ngannou responded to a Fury social media callout last year: “I’m coming for all the smoke 💨💨💨. 2023.”
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And now that Ngannou is a free agent, he can take on Fury “for all the smoke”.
Team-mate Strickland is sad to see Ngannou leave the UFC, but says the heavyweight should enjoy “go f*** yourself money” by fighting Fury.
Strickland told reporters following his win over Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 217 on Saturday: “I think it’s a damn shame to see Francis go.
“He’s iconic in the UFC. He’s probably one of the greatest heavyweights we’ve ever had.
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“It sucks he parted ways, but I hope that him and Tyson Fury fight for a lot of f*cking money. That’s a fight we deserve.
“Again, it sucks he left. I’d love to see him fight in the UFC.
“If the ‘Gypsy King’ sacks up and takes that fight against Francis, I mean, that’s ‘go f*ck yourself’ money.
“That’s ‘I can go pee in a golden toilet seat. I can do whatever the f*** I want.’
“It sucks he leaves, but if he can get that big money with Tyson, hat’s off to you Francis. Enjoy your ‘go f*** yourself money.’”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
