Francis Ngannou details the real deal-breakers in negotiations with the UFC

MMA superstar Francis Ngannou has finally revealed the negotiations that led to the UFC signing him off their roster.

Ngannou's unexpected departure from the UFC has caused all kinds of speculation. Up until now, it was believed that the deal fell through due to Ngannou's refusal of an offer that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight in UFC history. However, this may not be the full story.

Appearing in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, the African heavyweight champion revealed that his exit from the UFC was due to more than just fighter-pay issues.

According to Ngannou, the promotion refused to fulfill several important requests he had made, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.

Ngannou had demanded that the UFC provide sponsorship rights, health insurance, and representation for all fighters currently signed with the promotion:

"So, I asked for a lot of things. Which doesn't mean I was expecting all those things...but I was expecting at least one or two. I asked for sponsorship, right of a sponsorship which we [fighters] have been ripped off. I asked for health insurance...couldn't have it. I asked for a fighter advocate...somebody in the board meeting who would advocate for a fighter. I couldn't have those stuff that I asked for...they [UFC] say they don't do business like that."

Francis Ngannou also revealed that while the promotion agreed to provide him with health insurance, they refused to provide it to all fighters.

Many fighters are unable to afford the necessary medical care after suffering damage in the octagon, which puts them at risk of serious injury.

Check out Francis Ngannou's interview in the video below (14:34 mark):

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Sean Strickland weighs in on the UFC releasing Francis Ngannou

During the post-fight conference of UFC Fight Night 217, UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland chimed in with his thoughts on the sudden announcement of the heavyweight's departure from the promotion.

Expressing his disappointment, 'Tarzan' said it was a "shame" to see one of the greatest heavyweights suddenly released. He also called for a super fight between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury to take place. Strickland believes this would be a great way to give fans an exciting match-up and also for Ngannou to make a lot of money:

"It's a shame to see Francis go, he's iconic in the UFC. Probably one of the greatest heavyweights we've ever had. Sucks he parted ways [with the UFC] but I hope that him and Tyson Fury fight for a lot of f***ing money... I'd love to see him fight in the UFC but if Tyson Fury sacks up and takes that fight against Francis, that's go f**k yourself money."

Check out the interview below (08:00 mark):