UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is recovering after undergoing major knee surgery on Friday to repair damage done ahead of his most recent fight against Ciryl Gane.
Ngannou posted an update to Instagram with information about his leg surgery.
“Knee surgery went very well today — ACL reconstruction and MCL repair,” Ngannou wrote. “P.S. : no meniscus damage.
“Thank you to Dr. [Neal] ElAttrache and staff for taking great care of me. Time for rehabilitation to bring everything back to normal .”
Prior to his surgery on Friday, Ngannou’s manager Marquel Martin from CAA told MMA Fighting that he’s expected to remain out of action for approximately “9 or 10 months.”
Ngannou’s ACL reconstruction is a serious but rather common surgery done on athletes, with a return time typically between 9 to 12 months.
As for the surgeon who repaired Ngannou’s leg, Dr. Neal ElAttrache is a famed orthopedist working out of Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles with an extensive history of working with high-profile athletes.
Dr. ElAttrache has previously done ACL reconstruction surgeries on UFC fighters such as Conor McGregor after he injured his knee in 2013, as well as both knees of former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. McGregor also had his broken leg repaired by ElAttrache after he sustained a terrible injury in July.
Dr. ElAttrache, in addition to his routine practice, is also the team physician for the Los Angeles Rams as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers.
While Ngannou is still recovering, he will be making decisions about his future in combat sport.
His win over Gane at UFC 270 in January served as the final fight on Ngannou’s UFC contract, with his champion’s clause expected to keep him locked up until at least the end of 2022.
Ngannou expressed dissatisfaction with UFC over not getting a new agreement done. He wants more freedom to pursue other interests such as boxing against Tyson Fury, the reigning heavyweight champion.
It’s unknown if the knee injury and subsequent surgery could possibly extend Ngannou’s overall deal with the UFC since he’s unable to compete, but as of now he’s expected to become a free agent after December.
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