Francis Ngannou’s Coach Eric Nicksick: “100 Percent” Open to UFC Return

By Ali Hammad June 07, 2025 12:17

Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion and one of the most formidable figures in combat sports, may not have closed the door on a UFC comeback. According to his longtime coach Eric Nicksick, the possibility of Ngannou returning to the Octagon is very real—and perhaps more likely than ever.

“I think enough time has passed. I would love to see somehow, some way that they can mend these fences and get back in competing in the UFC,” Nicksick said in a recent interview with Home of Fight. The statement comes as the UFC heavyweight division faces uncertainty, with interim champion Tom Aspinall holding the belt for nearly 600 days and star power at a premium.

Ngannou’s Journey: From Champion to Free Agent

Ngannou (18-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC) rose from humble beginnings to claim the UFC heavyweight title by knocking out Stipe Miocic in March 2021. He then defended the belt against Ciryl Gane in January 2022, despite fighting with significant knee injuries—Grade 3 MCL and ACL tears—demonstrating his resilience and determination. However, a contract dispute with UFC president Dana White led to his departure in early 2023, ending his title reign and sparking debates about fighter pay and autonomy.

Shortly after leaving, Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) but has competed there only once, scoring a first-round knockout over Renan Ferreira in October 2024. In the meantime, he has tested himself in boxing, facing elite opponents Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in high-profile bouts, though both resulted in losses.

The Door Remains Open

Despite the rocky split, Nicksick insists that the rift was never personal. “100 percent,” he replied when asked if Ngannou would be willing to discuss a UFC return. “I think this is more about business than it is about ego, at least it is from Francis’ side. He wants the opportunity to be paid for—It’s like being an independent contractor. You want to be paid the highest amount for whoever needs your services. He doesn’t want to be stuck in a position where he’s not allowed to go box or do these things, but he went out and did these things and proved that he could do it. So, now, where does his motivation come from? It’s not about money, it’s about competition, and the best competition is in the UFC.”

Nicksick also believes UFC president Dana White could set aside past differences for the good of the sport. “Dana is a smart-enough businessman that it’s not about his ego, it’s about what’s best for his company. If these things can work out for us in the future, why not explore those options?”

Heavyweight Division Needs Star Power

The UFC’s heavyweight division has struggled for direction since Ngannou’s exit. “Look at the heavyweight division right now. What’s going on? You’ve got this poor guy in Tom Aspinall that’s been holding on to an interim belt for almost 600 days now. What are we doing here? I’m not saying Francis is the answer, but it at least adds some more value to your heavyweight division if you go out and get a guy like him and bring him back. Let bygones be bygones, everybody’s making money, everybody’s happy, but it gets things moving,” Nicksick emphasized.

What’s Next?

While Ngannou’s future remains uncertain, his coach’s confidence and the current state of the heavyweight division have reignited speculation about a blockbuster return. Super-fights against names like Jon Jones or a rematch with Stipe Miocic could draw massive attention and restore order to a division in flux.

For now, fans and pundits alike will watch closely as Ngannou weighs his options. As Nicksick put it, “He continues to train with a champion’s mentality, showing no signs of slowing down or retiring.”

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