Fernand Lopez disputes narrative that Ngannou improved after leaving Paris

Coach Fernand Lopez strongly refuted the common belief that Francis Ngannou became better after leaving MMA Factory in Paris. Lopez pointed out that when Ngannou lost to Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis, he was already living in Las Vegas, while his wins over Curtis Blaydes and Cain Velasquez came after returning to train with Lopez in Paris. Lopez explained that Dana White wanted to cut Ngannou after two straight losses, but he prepared Ngannou completely in Paris for the Blaydes fight, which ended in a quick knockout victory. Lopez also emphasized his role in discovering Ngannou when he was 28 years old with a 1-1 record, having just lost to Zoumana Cisse, and developing him despite the difficulties of Ngannou lacking proper documentation at the time.