As Francis Ngannou Bags $30M, Joe Rogan Rubs Salt at Dana White’s Wound as UFC Commentator Shows Public Support

A heavyweight fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones was what the fight fans greatly anticipated. But just when ‘Bones’ was about to return to the Octagon as a heavyweight, the Cameroonian fighter decided to leave the MMA promotion for good. Needless to say, Ngannou’s resignation wasn’t accepted well by the MMA fans. Dana White was initially against it, as well. However, Joe Rogan felt otherwise.

‘The Predator’ left the UFC back in December 2022. He explained that he wanted to try out his skills in the squared ring. In a previous conversation with Rogan on the set of JRE, Ngannou revealed that there was quite a bit of frustration and his relationship with the MMA promotion was deteriorating. He simply wanted freedom. As he treaded onto the boxing realm and earned himself a boatload of money, Rogan felt happy for him.

Joe Rogan is happy for Francis Ngannou despite the heat with Dana White

On episode #159 of the JRE MMA Show, the former mixed martial artist, Quinton Jackson, sat down with Rogan for a talk. Therein, the duo conversed about Ngannou. The former UFC champion greatly impressed Rogan and his guest. Even though Ngannou left the UFC and angered the UFC CEO, Rogan was happy for him.

Ngannou, after entering the boxing world, faced Tyson Fury. Unfortunately, the bout went in favor of Fury. But that didn’t stop the 37-year-old from bagging about $10 million. Next, he fought Anthony Joshua. Even this time, the former MMA fighter was unable to claim a victory. Yet, he earned a hefty sum of $20 million. 

The UFC color commentator said, “I’m happy that he went and got paid. I’m happy that he got that money for the Tyson Fury fight, ‘cause everybody was dismissing it, Dana was dismissing it, and then he drops Tyson Fury, and in a lot of people’s eyes won the fight. Like f**k yeah! And then he gets a big payday against Joshua. I’m happy that he made money.”

However, the JRE host wished for the former heavyweight champion to fight in the UFC. Rogan said, “But I wish he would have made that money in the UFC. My dream fight was at heavyweight, Jon Jones and Francis.”

Despite the unfortunate outcomes of his boxing bouts, Ngannou is still signed to the PFL. But now, the heavyweight fighter has risen to the top with a new role in the MMA promotion. 

‘The Predator’ becomes the Chairman of PFL Africa

Not too long ago, Ngannou took to Instagram and shared the news with his fans as he debuted as the Chairman of PFL Africa. Without a doubt, the former UFC fighter was pretty excited about the role. He said, “I am excited and honored to serve as chairman of PFL Africa. A league that will shape the very foundation of African MMA. As we have seen, there is great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. I am so very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fan base.”

Although Ngannou was yet to fight under the banner of PFL, he received such a big promotion. However, many of the fans seemed unhappy with the organization’s decision. They just wanted to watch the Cameroonian fight. When will he fight? Well, that’s something only time can tell.

What are your thoughts on Rogan’s words for Ngannou? Do you think ‘The Predator’ did the right thing by leaving UFC and joining PFL? Let us know in the comments down below.