According to Francis Ngannou, Kamaru Usman did not train and that is why he lost.
Cameroonian-French professional mixed martial artist Francis Ngannou has given his thoughts on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 286 main event.
American and Nigerian professional mixed martial artist Kamarudeen Usman was unable to reclaim the UFC Welterweight title.
English professional mixed martial artist Leon Edwards defeated Usman via majority decision after five rounds of action at the 02 Arena in London.
Ngannou on Usman's loss to Edwards
Ngannou the former UFC heavyweight champion expressed disappointment with Usman's performance against Edwards.
The Predator took to his official social media platform to console Usman after the defeat.
He wrote, "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."
Ngannou then analyzed the main event of UFC 286 in a breakdown video on his official YouTube account.
The former UFC champion stated that the fight against Edwards was close and Usman did not have enough time to train.
He explained that due to injuries to his knee, Usman did not have enough recovery time to put up his best performance against Edwards.
Ngannou said, "I know that he didn't train. He didn't have [time] to train properly because of a lot of injuries, but he was there.
Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman pay final respects
"He was there. It's a victory, an unfortunate victory, but I think now he's mentally healthier than what he was before.'
"Usually when people get knocked out, they don't come back in the fight. Like, they will be like wobbly, he [Usman] was there before which is like a lot of step back.
"I know that he didn't train, he didn't have to train properly because of a lot of injuries, but he was there.
"Let's see what's next. I believe he's going to get it back. I believe it."
Despite leaving the UFC, Ngannou backed Usman to bounce back from two defeats to Edwards and reclaim the UFC welterweight title.
Ngannou is reportedly in talks with American superstar Deontay Wilder for a boxing bout.
The fight between Ngannou and Wilder is yet to be agreed upon but is reportedly set for Saudi Arabia.
Related content
10:16 - 21.03.2023
Deontay Wilder set for return against Francis Ngannou
After 6 months out, Wilder announces he will return to the ring shortly.
19:32 - 18.03.2023
UFC Francis Ngannou confirms Deontay Wilder fight
Ngannou reveals conversations with Wilder are at an advanced stage.
10:28 - 08.03.2023
UFC Ngannou explains why fight with Jones will not happen
"Probably will never happen" - Ngannou dashes hope of fight against Jones.
17:16 - 19.03.2023
UFC Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman pay final respects
Leon Edwards celebrates 13 rounds with Kamaru Usman.
01:09 - 19.03.2023
UFC Leon Edwards defeats Kamaru Usman to retain welterweight title
Usman's time at the top of the welterweight division comes to an end after another defeat to Edwards.