Francis Ngannou makes terrific Martin Luther King reference in first statement post UFC exit

Francis Ngannou has discovered a new sense of freedom now that his UFC contract has been terminated, and he's free to pursue opportunities outside the organization. Ngannou commemorated the occasion by embodying the message of black rights activist Martin Luther King.

The UFC's apathy in allowing the Cameroonian to pursue boxing bouts was a large determinant in the complete collapse of contract negotiations between Ngannou and the organization. 'The Predator,' for his part, has been at the forefront of the campaign for improved fighter compensation and long-term health benefits. For him, the value of his freedom far exceeds any monetary compensation.

News of Francis Ngannou's departure and liberation from the shackles of his UFC contract could not have come at a better time. He joined millions of people in celebrating Martin Luther King Day (observed on the third Monday of January every year), which represents a triumph that took years in the making.

The tragic stain of racial inequality lingered on the character of the United States for a long time. The equal acknowledgment of humanity has only periodically taken root with regard to the lives of black people, thanks to the efforts of Martin Luther King Jr. Today, many Americans strongly remember Dr. King and his struggles that resulted in the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.

In his first statement following his UFC exit, Francis Ngannou made a glorious connection to Martin Luther King's powerful "I Have a Dream" speech on Twitter:

"Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, we are free at last!"

Check out the tweet below:

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Jake Paul reacts to Francis Ngannou's departure from the UFC

On Saturday, the mixed martial arts community was shocked to learn that UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou was released and stripped of the heavyweight title.

A few days ago, Ngannou uploaded an Instagram photo with a family member wearing a PFL t-shirt, igniting suspicions that he will be joining the PFL, namely Jake Paul's Super Fight division. Paul had earlier this month signed with the PFL to make his MMA debut.

Paul and the Professional Fighters League (PFL) have formed a Super Fight division in which fighters will earn 50% of the revenue from pay-per-view.

Reacting to Ngannou's exit from the UFC on Twitter, Paul wrote:

"Francis Ngannou is the baddest man on the planet & is a free agent becuase he chose to be. He’s the heavyweight champ in MMA & will be until he loses. They are not happy about this. But it’s reality, & they have to deal with it. They have to live with that everyday. @francis_ngannou"

Check out the tweet below: