Eric Nicksick, Francis Ngannou's coach, commented on UFC president Dana White's accusations that the former champion left the organization because he didn't want to take the risk of fighting Jon Jones.
Recall that after Ngannou left the UFC it was announced that Jones would fight Ciryl Gane for the vacant league title in the heavyweight division. That fight is scheduled to take place March 5 at UFC 285.
I see them using the narrative that Francis Ngannou is scared, and it makes me laugh. They can say whatever they want, use whatever narrative they want, but I support my guy one hundred percent. Despite our advice, he fought the number one man in the division, the phenomenal Ciryl Gane, on one damn leg, and you mean to tell me Francis is afraid? He's not afraid of anybody. He's doing what he thinks is right for him.
Eric Nicksick on the MMA Hour show
Ngannou last stepped into the octagon against Ciryl Gane last January at UFC 270. That fight lasted the entire five rounds and ended with Francis winning by unanimous decision of the judges. Francis has 17 wins and three losses in mixed martial arts under his belt.