Former UFC star Ben Askren has given his thoughts on Francis Ngannou’s main problem since leaving the promotion.
Last weekend, Francis Ngannou made his return to active competition in mixed martial arts with an emphatic win over Philipe Lins. While some enjoyed seeing him pick up another knockout triumph, others were concerned that the level of opposition wasn’t quite where it should be for a man who has conquered the heavyweight division in two different promotions.
RELATED: MVP MMA boss doubts Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou will happen: “I don’t think it’s very realistic”
Of course, the likes of Tom Aspinall, Alex Pereira and Jon Jones aren’t exactly on the table right now, mainly because Ngannou is no longer with the UFC – and Dana White doesn’t appear to be too interested in paying him what he deserves.
In a recent interview, the aforementioned Ben Askren made an interesting point about one of the big problems Ngannou faces right now.
Askren’s view on Ngannou’s post-UFC run
“Actually, you know, that was one of my big issues is when Dana wouldn’t sign me in 2013, and then I went to ONE Championship,” Askren said on Daniel Cormier’s YouTube channel. “So, I was thinking of this of Francis, and this has been Francis’ problem ever since he left the UFC. Maybe it’s been like three or four years now?
“It feels like a little while, but you need dance partners. And when I left Bellator and went to ONE Championship, I just didn’t have anyone who could really fight with me. So it was hard to build it, you know? And Francis is in the exact same situation where he’s got no one that can really fight with him, and you need that to build a star.”
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Do you agree with Ben Askren? Let us know your thoughts on Francis’ future in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!