MMA News Roundup: Joe Rogan begs Francis Ngannou to reconsider contract, Sean O'Malley talks new UFC deal, ex-rugby star slams Power Slap League
Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about Joe Rogan's request to Francis Ngannou, Sean O'Malley's new contract, and more.
#3. "Please don't sign an exclusive contract" - Joe Rogan to Francis Ngannou
Many are considering Francis Ngannou's exit from the UFC as just another fighter who is gone, but others are treating it as a true loss for the promotion.
If things turned out differently, Francis Ngannou going up against a heavyweight Jon Jones would have been a dream come true for MMA fans. Speaking as one, UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently said that he hopes to see 'The Predator' back in the promotion to fight either Jon Jones or Ciryl Gane.
Speaking to his JRE podcast guest, former fighter and fellow analyst Paul Felder, Rogan requested Ngannou to not sign an exclusive deal with another promotion:
"The perfect world is, [Francis Ngannou] goes over, has some big money, heavyweight boxing fight, Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane have a fight, Jon wins, Ciryl wins, whoever wins, whoever wins is the UFC champ. And then Francis comes back. He can totally come back - Francis, if you're listening, sir, please don't sign an exclusive contract."
That being said, Rogan also stated on the podcast that he'd love to see Ngannou make "generational wealth" money, as Conor McGregor did against Floyd Mayweather.
A potential Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury matchup has long been rumored. Eddie Hearn recently floated the idea of a heavyweight fight against Anthony Joshua as well.
Catch the full podcast episode below:
#2. Sean O'Malley has signed a new contract with the UFC
Sean O'Malley recently re-signed with the UFC and landed an eight-fight deal. He opened up on the deal, how the negotiations went, and how he feels about the money on an episode of the Bro'Malley Show.
'Sugar' said that he tried to add pay-per-view points in his contract, but could not get the promotion to agree. Nevertheless, he was happy with the figure they settled upon.
He added that he bargained the deal himself and believes no manager could have done as much for him. He also said that he feels he "earned" the deal, rather than arguing that he "deserved" it.
Read O'Malley's full comments here or watch the episode below:
#1. Sonny Bill Williams criticizes Power Slap League
Dana White's Power Slap League continues to get divisive reactions from the sporting world and beyond, despite bold claims from the UFC president. The latest to record their distaste for the league is former rugby player and professional boxer Sonny Bill Williams.
Taking to Twitter, Williams argued that he would never let his children participate in a sport like this:
Rugby & league fans think about this?
Would you let your children compete in it? It’s a big NO for me. twitter.com/boxingkingdom1…
Many share Williams' take on the matter, including former and current MMA fighters, because of the CTE dangers and low pay for the fighters. Sean O'Malley and Nate Diaz, among others, have spoken up against the form of combat.