One of '3 kings' Francis Ngannou offers Kamaru Usman words of respect and consolation after loss at UFC 286

Francis Ngannou's departure from the UFC has not affected his friendship with Kamaru Usman. While 'The Predator' was not present at UFC 286, he took to Twitter on Sunday to offer praise to 'The Nigerian Nightmare' despite the tough loss.

In the tweet, the former heavyweight champion stated:

"You are a champion with or without a piece of metal my brother. Your legacy is already cemented in the history of the sport. @USMAN84kg We are always behind you 🤴🏿🤴🏿🤴🏿[Nigerian flag and Cameroonian flag] #3kings"

Check out Francis Ngannou's tweet to Kamaru Usman below:

You are a champion with or without a piece of metal my brother. Your legacy is already cemented in the history of the sport. @USMAN84kg

We are always behind you 🤴🏿🤴🏿🤴🏿🇳🇬🇨🇲 #3kings https://t.co/rf0UjzrN1y

While Francis Ngannou vacated his heavyweight title and left the UFC altogether, fellow members of Africa's 'Three Kings,' Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya were dethroned in 2022. The former welterweight champion was unsuccessful in his attempt to regain the title at UFC 286, while the former middleweight champion will look to reclaim his title in the main event of UFC 287.

It is unclear what is next for Usman following the loss. While there has been plenty of speculation that he could retire, the No.1-ranked welterweight appears determined to make one last push for the title. Ngannou is also yet to announce his next move. However, the former heavyweight champion appears determined for his next bout to take place in the sport of boxing.

Francis Ngannou's departure from the UFC prevents him from being 'Baddest Man on the Planet,' claims heavyweight contender

Fans were both shocked and disappointed by Francis Ngannou's departure from the UFC as it ensured that a highly-anticipated bout against Jon Jones would not come to fruition. Jairzinho Rozenstruik recently shared that he believes 'Bones' is the 'Baddest Man on the Planet' as he is the one holding the title. Speaking to The Schmo, the No.9-ranked heavyweight stated:

"The 'Baddest Man' has the strap on his waist and that's Jon Jones. As long as you don't have the strap on your waist, we don't talk about you anymore because who's got the strap, that's the person we chase."

Check out Jairzhino Rozenstruik's full comments below:

Rozenstruik faced Ngannou at UFC 249 with a title opportunity on the line. 'Bigi Boy,' who had been undefeated in his mixed martial arts career prior to the clash, was handed his first career loss as he was knocked out in just 20 seconds. 'The Predator' went on to claim the heavyweight title in his next bout, while Rozenstruik is just 3-3 in six fights since their matchup. The No.9-ranked heavyweight added that he is looking to work his way back into title contention.