Amid the behind-the-scenes tension between the UFC and Francis Ngannou's camp, his manager has finally addressed a few things.

When the UFC decided to have an interim champions for the heavyweight division, reigning champ Francis Ngannou and his team did not appreciate it. There has been a back and forth about the issue, and then rumors swirl claiming Ngannou could leave the UFC if he loses to Cyril Gane.

Sharing his stance on the subject, Ngannou's manager, Marquel Martin stressed that the UFC has failed to do two important things for client–activity and proper promotion.

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“I think for starters, Francis would love to have more activity,” Martin said via “Throwing Down with Renee Maquette and Miesha Tate” podcast. “When have you really seen Francis have more than two fights in the last however many years in one year? He’s not as active as other heavyweights. Why? Because of me? Because of him? That’s a lie. [Laughs] That’s just what it is. From taking my manager hat off and just putting a fan hat on, I would love for the UFC to understand what Francis is about and understand his story. I feel like having an interim title was their decision. But was it really valid or warranted? Was it necessary?”

“You don’t see this world tour and UFC going back to Africa with Francis,” he added. “We did that. We did that on our own. So as a UFC heavyweight champion, how are you supposed to feel? After three months, what are you supposed to do?”

Ngannou is set to defend his heavyweight belt for the first time next month at UFC 270 against Cyril Gane.