Francis Ngannou, who defended his title at UFC 270 despite reportedly having a completely torn MCL and damaged ACL, will be continuing with his plan to get knee surgery. According to ESPN the procedure has been set for March 18, with the timeframe for recovery being around nine months.
The UFC heavyweight champion has long been dissatisfied with the promotion, and the timing of this surgery and recovery could work for his goal to get free of his current contract. Should he fail to book another fight within the year — which will be the likely scenario if he sits out for nine months — he could be a free agent by 2023.