UFC Tries to Erase Ngannou: Shocking Censorship Scandal Before UFC 310!
UFC 310, held in Las Vegas, served up a night of intense fights, but there was one undeniable controversy that overshadowed the event. Francis Ngannou, the former heavyweight champion, found himself at the center of an apparent censorship attempt. As UFC fans watched the build-up to the main event, they couldn’t ignore the glaring omission of Ngannou’s name from key moments during the press conference.
The Censorship Incident: UFC’s Petty Move?
During the Thursday night UFC 310 press conference, Ciryl Gane was asked about his experience facing heavy-hitting opponents, including the powerful Francis Ngannou. Gane responded, acknowledging Ngannou’s strength along with other big names. But when the same clip aired on UFC’s official YouTube channel, the mention of Ngannou’s name was audibly censored with music, leaving fans stunned. One fan even commented, “UPC—Ultimate Petty Company,” calling out the UFC for what many perceived as a deliberate snub of the former champion.
This isn’t the first time the UFC has attempted to erase Ngannou from its narrative. Last year, during a UFC event, Ngannou’s name was blurred out on a T-shirt, leading to further speculation that the UFC was keen to distance itself from the former fighter.
Ngannou’s Departure: Why Did He Leave UFC?
In early 2023, Ngannou left the UFC after his contract ended, citing a desire to pursue more lucrative opportunities, particularly in boxing. The Cameroonian fighter’s exit was widely discussed, and it seemed like the UFC wasn’t keen on continuing the relationship. Ngannou’s potential move to boxing had long been rumored, with many believing he was seeking to secure more financially rewarding matches in the ring.
UFC’s decision to obscure Ngannou’s involvement in promotional content didn’t sit well with Israel Adesanya, who publicly called out the promotion when they edited out mentions of Ngannou in UFC 305 footage. Adesanya noted that while tension exists between fighters, there was no reason to discredit Ngannou and erase his impact on the sport.
UFC 310: Gane vs. Volkov – The Action You Can’t Miss!
Despite the controversial censorship, UFC 310 still delivered an action-packed night for MMA fans. The headline flyweight title bout between Alexandre Pantoja and newcomer Kai Asakura left fans on the edge of their seats. The welterweight co-main event also thrilled, as Shavkat Rakhmonov dominated Ian Machado Garry, continuing his undefeated streak. Meanwhile, in the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown, Ciryl Gane defeated Alexander Volkov, proving once again why he’s one of the top contenders in the division.
While the censorship saga surrounding Francis Ngannou may have stolen some of the spotlight, the action inside the octagon ensured UFC 310’s place in the history books. Fans are already eagerly awaiting what comes next, but the question remains: How far will the UFC go to erase Ngannou’s legacy from the sport?
A Glimpse Into UFC’s Future: Ngannou’s Absence Felt Strongly
With the UFC’s ongoing attempt to downplay Ngannou’s legacy, many are questioning the long-term effects of such actions on the promotion’s credibility. Ngannou‘s departure is still fresh in fans’ minds, and the UFC’s treatment of him could significantly impact their relationship with audiences and future stars.
In an era where fighters are increasingly seeking greater autonomy, Ngannou’s departure could serve as a catalyst for change, one that might force the UFC to reconsider its approach to fighter relationships and contract negotiations.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the MMA world is left wondering: Will the UFC be able to recover from this apparent slight to one of its former champions, or will Ngannou’s impact continue to be felt, even in his absence?