Eric Nicksick Believes Francis Ngannou Could Have Become the MMA GOAT If He Did This
Ever since Francis Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023, the Cameroonian has carved out a path that few fighters in MMA had explored before him. For the unversed, his final Octagon appearance came against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022, where he successfully defended his heavyweight title before eventually leaving the promotion …
Eric Nicksick, the longtime coach of Francis Ngannou, has expressed the belief that the Cameroonian heavyweight could have become the greatest MMA fighter of all time if he had dedicated more time to the sport. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Nicksick stated, "I’ll get caught up with him and see what’s on his mind, and what he wants to do from a boxing standpoint or MMA standpoint.
Hopefully MMA, because obviously I think we’re making some really good strides there." He further added, "For me personally, the boxing side of things is very much a learning experience for me." Nicksick's primary concern is the amount of time Ngannou has spent in the boxing ring, stating, "Just the development of Francis from that Jairzinho fight all the way to Ciryl Gane to now. it’s like, man, there’s so many things that we’re advancing on.
I just wish we had more time in the MMA space." Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, has left the organization without ever losing the belt inside the Octagon. After leaving the UFC, he ventured into the PFL, earning just one fight before leaving the promotion. However, his boxing career has brought in significant financial gains, earning him nearly $30 million from fights against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
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