Francis Ngannou planning time off after title-fight loss to Stipe Miocic at UFC 220

Don’t expect to see Francis Ngannou back in the octagon anytime soon after falling short of claiming the heavyweight title at UFC 220.

After making a rapid ascent up the UFC heavyweight ranks, Ngannou (11-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) was handily outclassed by Stipe Miocic (18-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC) in UFC 220’s main event on Jan. 20 at TD Garden in Boston. “The Predator” suffered his first octagon setback in the form of a one-sided unanimous decision, and along with it came criticism of his preparedness.

After scoring the 2017 “Knockout of the Year” against Alistair Overeem at UFC 219 in December, Ngannou made a quick turnaround to fight Miocic. Some fighters look to come back quickly after a defeat, but Ngannou made it clear in a social-media update today that he’s in no rush to return (via Instagram):

I'm taking some time off which will benefit my personal life by going back home to see family and friends then I'll be back to set things up #relax

A post shared by Francis Ngannou (@francisngannou) on Jan 25, 2018 at 11:26am PST

“I’m taking some time off which will benefit my personal life by going back home to see family and friends then I’ll be back to set things up #relax”

Following the defeat to Miocic, Ngannou said he learned more in one fight than he did in his previous four years of MMA experience combined. How that knowledge, paired with the time off, will benefit the powerful Cameroonian, remains to be seen.

Ngannou, 31, did not give a specific length for his planned time off or when he intends to return to competition.

For complete coverage of UFC 220, check out the UFC Events section of the site.