Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Francis Ngannou made his latest octagon performance over the weekend. However, things simply did not go the knockout artist’s way. Now Ngannou has come forward with a statement concerning his recent loss.
Francis Ngannou went toe-to-toe with fellow tough contender Derrick Lewis in the co-main event of UFC 226 on Saturday, July 7. The fight ultimately went the distance, with less than 30 strikes having reportedly been thrown.
The fight was met with roaring boos from the arena crowd, as neither fighter was seemingly willing to exchange in the octagon. After full 15 minutes of seemingly little action, Lewis was ultimately claimed the winner by unanimous decision.
While Derrick Lewis later claimed that his reoccurring back injury caused his conservative performance, Francis Ngannou entered the octagon coming off of a lopsided defeat to then reigning champion Stipe Miocic.
Taking to Instagram, Ngannou has come forward to claim that the loss had affected him inside the octagon on Saturday.
“I am not proud of my last performance. I have carried my fear from the last fight to this one. I completely understand the frustration & anger that it has caused to my fans, coaches, teammates, family and friends and I am truly sorry for that. I won’t let everyone down again. All I can do now is prove myself and make you proud again. #UFC226”
