One of the biggest upsets in the UFC was the time when Francis Ngannou decided to take his leave from the MMA promotion. He defied Dana White, and just after 4 months of leaving the UFC, signed himself into PFL. Needless to say, fight fans were left in utter disappointment. But now, with Ngannou becoming the PFL Africa Chairman, fans began to think that his career just fumbled.

There was no doubt that the former UFC heavyweight would have pocketed a hefty amount of money, had he stayed a bit longer and fought Jon Jones in the UFC. Instead, he opted to try his skills inside a squared ring. He fought Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Unfortunately, the Cameroonian fighter wasn’t able to clinch a victory. Even though he is signed to PFL, he has yet to fight in the organization. However, he was indeed offered a new position in the PFL.

Right after the shocking announcement was made, Ngannou quoted, “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.”

Did you know what Joe Rogan had to say about the Ngannou leaving the UFC? Well, the UFC color commentator claimed that there was only one way for PFL to strive. It was indeed the hypothetical scenario when the UFC decided to shut itself down. But as long as the UFC remains the biggest MMA promotion, PFL needed to sign in entities like Ngannou to earn a profit. He continued, “That’s probably the only way that PFL’s gonna get people to pay attention. You have to have someone like Francis.”

But the damage was already done. Ngannou is already in the PFL. Not just as a fighter, but as the Chairman of PFL Africa. Needless to say, when Ngannou’s words traversed the social media platforms, the fans sent forth their opinions. Let’s see what the fighting community had to say.

Francis Ngannou becoming the Chairman of PFL Africa did not garner the expected reaction

Most of the fans believed that ‘The Predator’ lost the race to the top and his career was simply going down. One of the fans wrote, “Forgot about this dude, fumbled his career.” The fans were simply unhappy with Ngannou losing out on golden chances in the UFC, where he could have become the G.O.A.T. had he fought and defeated Jones. A comment read, “Could have been the greatest fighter of all time. Threw away legacy for a shallow bag. Crazy”

Even though Conor McGregor pulled out of his fight with Michael Chandler at UFC 303, the event was a massive success. It garnered about $16 million just from the gates. The UFC’s fanbase is indeed humongous. However, the same can’t be said for PFL. One of the fans wrote, “They can’t even draw a crowd in America, how are they going to sell out in Africa?” A few other fans believed that the UFC would always come on top and quoted, “UFC always wins. No one cares what Ngannou does”

The fans wanted to watch ‘The Predator’ fight in the PFL cage. But him getting a different role greatly surprised the fight fans. One fan asked, “So he’s a chairman and not a fighter??” Meanwhile, another commented, “Francis will do everything but fight in the PFL lol” Many fans even believed that the position held no value. A fan commented, “Chairman for the first big MMA event in Africa? Gigantic L for PFL.” 

Some fans also went back to the time when Joshua took down the former UFC champ in their boxing bout. One of the fans wrote, “I think Antony did more damage than expected and Nganou will be forever more a spectator. Meanwhile, another comment read, “Good way of saying “he ain’t fighting ever again” thanks Anthony Joshua.

With Ngannou as the debutant Chairman of PFL Africa, there is a possibility for PFL to experience a rise in viewership. However, that’s something that only time can tell. What do you think of Ngannou’s new role? Let us know in the comments down below.