The entire MMA world was shocked when Francis Ngannou knocked out UFC and landed himself a bumper PFL contract! After months of contract disputes and failed negotiations with the UFC, Ngannou found a new home in the PFL. Now, the move to PFL represents a significant shift in Ngannou‘s career trajectory.
This new deal guarantees Ngannou a seven-figure purse per fight, freedom to box in other promotions, and a chairman position of PFL Africa. Although the entire MMA world wanted to see the ‘Predator’ face Jon Jones, Ngannou snubbed that fight and moved to PFL.
PFL Founder Donn Davis recently appeared on the ‘My Mom’s Basement’ podcast and shed some light on the new signing.
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Donn Davis about Francis Ngannou
Davis expressed his respect for Ngannou‘s business decisions. Moreover, he also emphasized that he views this move as a win-win for all parties involved. Ngannou‘s signing not only adds an incredible talent to the PFL roster but also opens up the organization’s pay-per-view division. Davis highlighted the potential blockbuster fights that await fans in 2024, with Ngannou and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul headlining the events.
“I view this as win, win, win. This is a great deal for Francis for all the reasons it’s discussed online and social. This is a huge win for PFL, and opens our pay-per-view division, we got Francis and Jake [Paul] as headliners in 2024.”
While some may view Ngannou‘s departure as a loss for the UFC, Davis is quick to dispel that notion. He believes that the UFC will continue to thrive despite losing Ngannou, stating that they are still the industry leader. “It’s also a win for UFC. They’re gonna be just fine, they made their business decision and they’re still the leader in the game.”
Davis compares PFL with UFC
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Even after naming UFC as the industry leader, Davis did not shy away from comparing his venture with Dana White’s. Davis asserted that the PFL provides a platform on par with the UFC, boasting similar distribution channels. Also, he stated that the PFL and UFC are both in the same number of countries and have the same capabilities.
“PFL has the same distribution UFC does, ESPN and DAZN … ESPN in terms of pay-per-view in the U.S., DAZN in terms of pay-per-view internationally. We’re in 150 countries on media, UFC’s in 150 countries on media. We have the same production and the same platform capabilities they do.”
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Watch This Story – As Francis Ngannou Joins PFL, Take a Look at the Deadliest Finishes by the Former UFC Champ
Do you agree with the PFL’s founder? Do let us know in the comments below.