Francis Ngannou News
Francis Ngannou says UFC played "dirty games" to keep him under contract, reveals shocking pay before he became champ
Cole Shelton - May 25, 2023
Francis Ngannou believes the UFC used dirty tactics to keep him under contract for longer than he wanted. Ngannou and the UFC first had contract disputes long before he was a champion as he was vocal about wanting to fight out his deal so he could go to free agency. However, Ngannou claims the UFC never offered him fights – despite what Dana White said – and kept him on the shelf hoping he would need the money and eventually sign a new deal.
Francis Ngannou's manager believes fans will be shocked by former UFC champion's first boxing match
Josh Evanoff - May 24, 2023
Francis Ngannou’s manager, Marquel Martin, believes fans will be shocked by his boxing debut. ‘The Predator’ made headlines earlier this month by ending his high-profile free agency. In January, Ngannou walked out of the UFC, becoming the first reigning champion since BJ Penn in 2004 to do so. At the time, the heavyweight stated that issues with pay, restrictive contracts, an inability to box, and more, triggered his move.
Francis Ngannou's manager says they got "very close" to re-signing with the UFC at certain points
Cole Shelton - May 24, 2023
Marquel Martin, the manager of Francis Ngannou, says the former UFC heavyweight champion got close to re-signing with the Las Vegas-based promotion. Ahead of UFC 270, it was well-known that Ngannou was fighting out his contract when he was defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. He had been vocal about his displeasure with the UFC at times, but many expected him to eventually re-sign with the promotion.
Brendan Schaub responds to Dana White’s criticism of Francis Ngannou’s new PFL deal: “Gimmicks? You own the slap fight league”
Fernando Quiles - May 24, 2023
Brendan Schaub believes UFC President Dana White is being hypocritical when addressing Francis Ngannou’s PFL signing. Ngannou and the UFC parted ways back in January. The two sides couldn’t come to terms on a new deal, and Ngannou, who was the UFC Heavyweight Champion, was free to sign with another promotion. He recently inked a deal with the PFL, and he will be allowed to have a boxing match later this year.
PFL founder Donn Davis takes aim at Dana White over his criticism of Francis Ngannou's contract
Cole Shelton - May 23, 2023
Donn Davis, the founder of PFL, has fired back at Dana White. Last week, Francis Ngannou officially signed his contract with PFL and he is expected to debut in 2024, as well as getting to be an executive in PFL Africa among others. Although all the details weren’t out there, UFC president, Dana White was surprised by PFL’s deal as he doesn’t think the promotion knows what they are doing.
Randy Couture names PFL fighter he'd like to see fight Francis Ngannou: "I would watch that fight"
Fernando Quiles - May 23, 2023
MMA legend Randy Couture has revealed which PFL heavyweight he’d like to see throw down with Francis Ngannou. The Ngannou sweepstakes is officially underway. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion is now a PFL fighter, and his first opponent under the promotion is set to make a cool $2 million. Some have already thrown their name in the hat. One of those fighters is former UFC heavyweight Ben Rothwell.
Henry Cejudo questions “where the hell is PFL getting all this money” following Francis Ngannou acquisition
Harry Kettle - May 23, 2023
Henry Cejudo has questioned where PFL is getting its funding from following their recent deal with Francis Ngannou. The recent acquisition of Francis Ngannou was huge news for PFL. They’ve been making steady gains for a while now, but bringing in a name like Francis was a real statement of intent. They made it known that they aren’t here to mess around, offering ‘The Predator’ an incredibly lucrative deal.
Ariel Helwani takes aim at Dana White for his “bullsh*t way of framing” former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou
Harry Kettle - May 23, 2023
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has taken a shot at Dana White for the way in which he framed Francis Ngannou’s UFC departure. It’s safe to say that the relationship between Dana White and Francis Ngannou isn’t the best right now. In fact, you could probably go a step further and claim that it’s broken for good. Following his exit from the UFC, Ngannou was slandered by White in a variety of ways – and the president kept that going during last weekend’s post-fight press conference.
Dana White reacts to Francis Ngannou signing with the PFL: "It makes no sense to me"
Chris Taylor - May 20, 2023
UFC President Dana White has shared his thoughts on Francis Ngannou signing a deal with PFL (Professional Fighters League). Ngannou, the UFC’s now former heavyweight champion, signed a deal with PFL earlier this week.
Brendan Schaub questions if Francis Ngannou signing is a great deal for the PFL: “History would say no”
Harry Kettle - May 19, 2023
Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub has called Francis Ngannou’s PFL deal into question after it was announced earlier this week. As most of us know, Francis Ngannou has officially signed with PFL. While some of the reactions from fans were mixed, a lot of fighters came out to voice their support for ‘The Predator’. In addition to fighting for PFL, he’ll also be allowed to venture into the boxing ring.
UFC champion Israel Adesanya weighs in on Francis Ngannou signing with PFL: “It creates a big ripple in the game”
Harry Kettle - May 19, 2023
UFC champion Israel Adesanya has praised Francis Ngannou following the announcement that he has signed a deal with PFL. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Francis Ngannou had signed with PFL. In addition to the signing itself, plenty of details were also released, which included guaranteed seven-figure purses for his opponents, a big role in PFL Africa, the ability to compete in boxing and more. Whichever way you look at it, Francis Ngannou will be making a lot of money.
Eddie Hearn explains why Anthony Joshua is not interested in doing “something a little bit gimmicky” by fighting Francis Ngannou
Harry Kettle - May 19, 2023
Eddie Hearn has explained why Anthony Joshua isn’t interested in a boxing match against Francis Ngannou right now. Earlier this week, it was announced that Francis Ngannou had signed a blockbuster deal with PFL. However, it was also revealed that he won’t make his debut until 2024, instead giving him time to try and have his long-awaited boxing debut instead.
Ben Askren calls out Jon Jones after recent Francis Ngannou remarks
Lewis Simpson - May 18, 2023
Ben Askren has an issue with the UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones following his recent remarks directed at Francis Ngannou. Following the announcement that Ngannou would sign a record-breaking deal with the PFL, Jones quickly poked jabs at the former UFC heavyweight champion. Earlier this year, Ngannou revealed he wouldn’t re-sign with the UFC and would test the waters of free agency.
Former WBO middleweight and super-middleweight champion says Francis Ngannou is an “ignorant wanker” for thinking he can compete with boxing’s top heavyweights
Fernando Quiles - May 18, 2023
A former world boxing champion has put newly-signed PFL fighter Francis Ngannou on blast for thinking he can box. Ngannou has made headlines after ending his free agency period. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion inked a deal with PFL. He will serve as the Chairman of PFL Africa, receive equity in the company, and will be allowed to have boxing matches outside the organization.
Francis Ngannou admits he will always regret not getting to fight 'GOAT' Jon Jones
Josh Evanoff - May 17, 2023
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou does regret missing out on a fight with Jon Jones. ‘The Predator’ ended his lengthy free agency earlier this week, signing with the PFL. Ngannou got a lot in his deal with the company, including a guarantee of seven figures per fight, a role on a fighter advocacy board, the ability to lead PFL Africa, box, and more. Naturally, his signing has again ignited a war of words with ‘Bones’.
Jake Paul pitches PFL vs. UFC card featuring Francis Ngannou after massive signing
Josh Evanoff - May 17, 2023
PFL’s Jake Paul has sent a challenge to the UFC after the promotion’s signing of Francis Ngannou. Earlier this week, ‘The Predator’ ended his lengthy free agency period. Ngannou famously left the UFC in January, making history as the first champion to leave the company since BJ Penn in 2004. For months, fighters and fans alike wondered where the heavyweight contender would land.
Francis Ngannou opens up on previous negotiations with Chatri Sityodtong of ONE Championship: “This guy’s a performer”
Susan Cox - May 17, 2023
Francis Ngannou is opening up about previous negotiations with Chatri Sityodtong of ONE Championship. It was just yesterday, Tuesday, May 16th, that it became public that Francis Ngannou had signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Pro Fighters react to Francis Ngannou’s new contract with PFL: “Congrats on the biggest deal in MMA history”
Harry Kettle - May 17, 2023
A parade of fighters have given their thoughts on the news that Francis Ngannou has opted to sign a deal with the PFL. Earlier this week, it was announced that Francis Ngannou had signed a deal with the PFL. In addition to fighting with the MMA promotion next year, he’ll also take on several other roles – and he’ll also be allowed to pursue a boxing venture.