Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For May 26, 2023, we’re taking a look at:

  • Francis Ngannou reveals meagre pay for KO’ing Cain Velasquez.
  • TUF contestant discusses being removed from the show by Conor McGregor. 
  • Daniel Cormier analyzes how Tyson Fury would fare against Jon Jones. 

“Few Pennies” – Francis Ngannou On Pay Received From The UFC

During a recent interview with the LeBatardShow, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou discussed the many issues he had with the UFC’s treatment of him during his time there. 

‘The Predator’ confirmed that he was, on average, receiving between 100,000 and 120,000 for his brutal KOs over heavyweight legends such as Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos. 

Ngannou also discussed the “dirty game” he believes the UFC used against him during his last contract with the promotion. Essentially putting his fighting career on hold to avoid ‘The Predator’ being able to complete his contract and leave, the promotion left Ngannou in a high-stress financial situation nearer the start of this decade. 

“I had an eight-fight contract and I wanted to fulfill that contract, but they wouldn’t allow me since I wasn’t going to sign another contract because they know that if I fulfill that contract, I’m automatically free,” Ngannou explained. “They used some kind of dirty game there, freeze me out, they knew how much I was getting per fight. It wasn’t much at all, few pennies. They knew I couldn’t make a living out of it so I had to come back and accept that contract. That was after the Junior dos Santos fight in June 2019. One of the things that was hard about that as well was the pressure they were putting on [me]. I’m just me and they are them. They are massive.” (h/t MMA Mania)

“I’d Chuck Bombs At Him” – Mitch Ramirez On Conor McGregor

During a recent interview with Fight Fluency, undefeated welterweight prospect Mitch Ramirez discussed his removal from the new season of The Ultimate Fighter. 

The news broke several weeks ago that ‘The Notorious’ had opted to switch out several contestants with his own choices. Unfortunately for Ramirez, he was one such fighter who found himself on the chopping block. 

When asked if he’d look for some payback against McGregor in a potential fight, Ramirez confirmed he would be hunting for a knockout. 

“The answer’s yeah,” Ramirez responded. “If Conor wanted to fight, would I chuck bombs at him? F*** yeah I’d chuck bombs at him dude. I’d be trying to knock him out just like I try to knock out everybody else I fight.”

Ramirez went on to give a shoutout to UFC President Dana White, requesting he give Ramirez a shot in the Octagon.

“If you’re interested in my story man, I’ve got a crazy story. I would be an asset to this company dude, and believe me dude I can fight. So give me an opportunity, that’s all I’m asking. I’m not asking for any crazy special treatment. All I’m asking for is a fight. Just give me a fight and let me prove to you that I belong in the UFC.”

You can read more about Ramirez’s comments here.

“No Chance Against Jon Jones” – Daniel Cormier On Jon Jones

In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, former UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier discussed the ongoing Tyson Fury vs. Jon Jones debate. 

According to ‘DC’, Fury would simply have no real shot at victory in a full-on fight with ‘Bones’. Cormier made clear that his take on the matter was not meant as a knock against ‘The Gypsy King’.

“Now we got those guys talking, Tyson Fury and Jon Jones,” Cormier said. “And for the record, Tyson Fury in a full on fight has no chance against Jon Jones. And that’s no knock on Fury.”

‘DC’ further explained that while Fury is elite in the boxing ring, that simply wouldn’t be enough in a more complete fight with a well-rounded combatant like Jones. 

“In a singular skillset with boxing gloves, Tyson Fury will beat Jon Jones every day of the week. But if by chance they ever got into a full-on fight, Fury has about as much of a chance as that guy walking into a convenience store on the end of your block to beat Jon Jones. In a free fight. It’s not gonna happen.”

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. If you want to read more about Cormier’s take on Fury vs. Jones, you can do so here. 

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