YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has insisted Francis Ngannou is still MMA's undisputed heavyweight champion despite leaving the UFC and forfeiting his world title.
The hard-hitting heavyweight defeated legendary champion Stipe Miocic for the title in a 2021 rematch before defending the belt against top contender Ciryl Gane last January. But after a lengthy battle with injury, which coincided with his contract running out, he opted to test free agency, costing him the belt he never lost in the cage.
And Paul believes that until he is defeated, Ngannou will remain the greatest heavyweight in the world to MMA fans despite not holding the UFC title. While the champion entertains offers from other promotions, legendary former light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones will face Gane for the vacant title in March.