UFC Champion Ngannou set to miss the rest of the year

Francis Ngannou is set to miss the rest of the 2022 season after he did further damage to an already injured Knee in his UFC 270 clash with Ciryl Gane. 

Ngannou's camp revealed the severity of the injury after earning a unanimous decision over Gane while also stating that he would likely have to undergo surgery.

His manager Marquel Martin confirmed the plans when speaking to the media after the bout. Martin said the surgery is likely to happen after the UFC heavyweight champion returns from a trip to Cameroon.

“He’s going to have to get surgery likely in March,” Martin said. “Then the timeline can vary, obviously, but probably looking at 9 to 10 months.”

"I think we can all agree he deserves some time to go back home and be with his family and countrymen," Martin said.

Ngannou’s absence comes at a rather precarious time, as the Cameroonian heavyweight is locked in a battle with the company (UFC) over his contract.

As things stand he could become a free agent by December.

Rumors have it that Ngannou is considering pursuing a boxing match against reigning heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

It remains to be seen if Ngannou will eventually strike a deal with the UFC. But for now, he’ll focus on his trip home to Cameroon before returning to have surgery on his knee.