Francis Ngannou‘s journey in the world of combat sports is nothing short of extraordinary. The sporting world was first introduced to the Cameroonian-born powerhouse as he rose through the ranks of the UFC. Ultimately, he claimed the UFC heavyweight championship in 2021. Moreover, his UFC career was punctuated with thunderous knockouts and a trail of vanquished foes. However, in an unforeseen turn of events, Francis Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023 due to contractual disputes.
This surprising exit left many fans eager to see what the future held for the hard-hitting fighter. Ngannou, who was initially going to face Jon Jones, took an entirely unexpected route. Now, stepping outside the octagon, he is venturing into the world of professional boxing. On October 28th, ‘The Predator’ is going to face boxing legend Tyson Fury in Abu Dhabi. Many believe that this might be the pinnacle of the former UFC champ’s career. However, ‘The Predator’ might have even bigger things in store!
Francis Ngannou signed a huge contract with PFL
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Francis Ngannou’s transition from the UFC to the PFL marked a paradigm shift in MMA contracts. Moreover, this groundbreaking deal introduced an entirely new dimension to fighter contracts. The African fighter’s contract with the PFL is unique in several aspects, departing significantly from the industry norm. Rather than committing to a long-term association, Ngannou’s agreement with the PFL covers only 2 or 3 fights. Further, it provides him with unprecedented flexibility and control over his career.
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Under the terms of the contract, ‘The Predator’ is guaranteed a high 7-figure purse for each fight. In addition to this substantial guaranteed income, he is entitled to a share of the PPV’s net profits. This financial incentive aligns his success with that of the promotion, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement. Further enhancing the financial aspects of the contract, Ngannou secured a signing bonus. Also, his role as a brand ambassador for the PFL promises additional income streams.
Notably, the contract also permits the 6’4 fighter to feature his own sponsors within the fighting arena. This privilege is not typically afforded to fighters. This unique provision allows him to maximize his earnings and opens the door to groundbreaking sponsorship opportunities. The absence of a champions clause or any restrictive extensions grants Ngannou the freedom to explore a variety of opportunities both inside and outside the cage. Lastly, the contract also guarantees at least a $1 million payout to the 37-year-old’s opponents. Looking at all this, it seems like ‘The Predator’ is going to earn a lucrative amount of money through his PFL career.
PFL Africa chairman – A bold step forward
Francis Ngannou’s role as the chairman and minority equity owner of PFL Africa has redefined the boundaries of combat sports. Historically, active fighters have not held leadership positions within combat sports organizations. Ngannou’s appointment as a chairman not only sets a new precedent but also signals a significant shift in the dynamics of the MMA world. This revolutionary step has the potential to usher in a new era of recognition and revenue generation, both for the fighter himself and the sport at large.
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As chairman, the African fighter wields unprecedented influence over the development and promotion of MMA in Africa. With the continent emerging as a hotbed of fighting talent, his leadership positions PFL Africa to capitalize on the growing demand for MMA in the region. This move has the potential to revolutionize MMA’s footprint in Africa, creating new opportunities for fighters, fans, and the industry as a whole. On the other hand, it might also prove to be financially beneficial for Ngannou!
Potential big boxing fights if he performs well against Tyson Fury
The odds currently favor Tyson Fury in their upcoming boxing clash. However, the potential for Francis Ngannou to make a significant impact on the boxing world is undeniable. A strong performance, or even a victory, against a boxing legend of Fury’s stature could open doors to an array of exciting opportunities.
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One such possibility is a future boxing match against boxing star Deontay Wilder. Known for his explosive punching power and thrilling fights, Wilder has expressed a keen interest in facing Ngannou. These cross-discipline matchups bring not only significant challenges but also substantial financial rewards, as boxing traditionally pays its top fighters handsomely.
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Watch This Story: Francis Ngannou’s Biggest Fight Purses In The UFC
As the world anticipates the epic showdown between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury, there is no shortage of excitement surrounding the next chapter in Ngannou’s career. From his PFL contract to his role as the chairman of PFL Africa and the potential for future boxing endeavors, fans want see to what’s next for Francis Ngannou.