Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is a man who needs no introduction. ‘The Predator’, before moving out of the UFC was one of the most feared individuals inside the Octagon. He is now set to make his heavyweight debut at the Professional Fighters League( PFL) against Renan Ferreira on October 19. The 37-year-old recently sat down for a chat with Steven Bartlett to discuss his journey. While speaking to the host, Ngannou made some interesting revelations about his move to the UFC. Let us find out what the 37-year-old had to say.

There are very few fighters in the UFC who have a rise like Francis Ngannou. Hailing from Batie, Cameroon, Ngannou initially took up boxing to pursue his career under the watchful eyes of Fernand Lopez. However, his brutal power proved too much to handle for the fighters in France. The 37-year-old then shifted his focus to MMA in 2015 and made his debut in the UFC.

However, Ngannou had no plans of switching to MMA but was rather forced to do it. While speaking to Bartlett he shared the details as to why there was a sudden shift in his career. The former UFC champion made it clear that there was no one who wanted to fight him. Speaking on ‘The Diary of a CEO’, he said, “I wasn’t even planning to go to the UFC. But as soon as I started to fight in France then it became very hard for me to have a fight in France.” 

Ngannou then gave the reason as to why the fighters in France showed no interest in taking him on. He added, “People didn’t want to fight me. They say I am brutal. And I’m like it’s a fighting game. I mean the goal is to be brutal and then I’m not having fight because I’m brutal?” The 37-year-old can be easily considered brutal as he holds the world record for the most powerful punch (96 horsepower).

While Ngannou may have left boxing, boxing never left him. After splitting from the UFC, he returned to the sport he loved the most and took on Tyson Fury. Although he lost the fight, the 37-year-old impressed one and all with his performance. Ngannou then fought Anthony Joshua in his next fight and suffered a massive knockout loss. It was believed he made $20 million from the fight. But is the amount true? Francis Ngannou has the answer for you.

Francis Ngannou opens up on his earnings after the Anthony Joshua fight

One of the biggest reasons for the former UFC champion to exit the promotion was the pay disparity. It is believed that ‘The Predator’ never made a sufficient amount of money during his time at the UFC. UFC CEO Dana White has often been criticized for not paying his fighters well. However, this was not the case when he appeared in his boxing fight with Tyson Fury.

When Ngannou fought ‘The Gypsy King’ he pocketed $10 million after the fight. Reports suggest that he made double the money after the Anthony Joshua fight. However, this is not exactly the case. While speaking to Bartlett he gave out the details. The former UFC champion candidly answered the question and said, “I don’t know [because] I haven’t counted yet [laughs].”

The Cameroon-born then made it clear that the rumors are not entirely true but he did make a good amount of money as compared to the UFC. “I can’t say if it’s true, but it’s not true [making $20 million]. Yeah [earned a lot of money],” added the 37-year-old. Ngannou is now ready for his upcoming challenge and will make a return to MMA after January 2022. He rates his PFL opponent very high and during an interview with Joe Rogan said, “He’s dangerous, he’s legit… He’s a big dude too. Very athletic, fast.” 

Are you excited to see Francis Ngannou return to MMA after two years? Let us know in the comments below.