Francis Ngannou (image via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

It looks like Francis Ngannou will not be fighting under the ONE Championship banner anytime soon, as the promotion’s CEO is reporting they’re no longer pursuing the heavyweight.

Ngannou has reportedly been negotiating with several organizations, after he was unable to come to a new deal with the UFC. Recently, ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong confirmed the company was in talks with the former UFC champ.

But, according to a more recent report from the South China Morning Post, Sityodtong informed the outlet via text that ONE will no longer pursue Ngnannou.

“I met with Francis yesterday for almost 3 hours,” Chatri said via text. “ONE has decided to withdraw from the process of bidding for Francis Ngannou’s services.”

“After careful reflection, we decided not to submit our final offer. Francis is a good guy and a good champion. I wish him continued success and happiness.”

“At the end of the day, I didn’t feel Francis and I were fully aligned on non-financial matters. It is nothing personal. It is just a lack of alignment.”

The 36-year-old Ngannou (17-3), who has also expressed an interest in boxing, recorded a decision win over Ciryl Gane in his last outing. That fight took place in January, 2022.