Francis Ngannou’s recent contract signing with the PFL has stirred up mixed reactions within the MMA community. While many celebrate his new deal, UFC President Dana White has expressed his discontent, highlighting concerns about the contract’s commercial viability and criticizing Ngannou’s interest in pursuing a boxing career.
The contract grants ‘The Predator’ the opportunity to participate in boxing matches outside the league. Additionally, Ngannou will become an equity owner in PFL Africa and a member of the PFL Global Advisory Board.
Key features of Francis Ngannou’s PFL deal include:
It is widely known that Ngannou desired a contract provision that would enable him to challenge renowned boxers like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. While Dana White has been vocal about his disapproval of cross-promotion or UFC stars venturing into boxing, he did make an exception for Conor McGregor’s lucrative encounter with Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
Addressing the media at the UFC Vegas 73 press conference, White expressed his thoughts on Ngannou’s PFL contract. He questioned the former UFC heavyweight champion’s expectations regarding boxing, deeming them delusional:
“PFL is paying Ngannou to train for a boxing match that may not even materialize, and they might not even be involved. How does that make any sense? Anthony Joshua called it a gimmick fight this week.”
White further remarked:
“Francis had the opportunity to strike a deal here. Our executive Hunter Campbell went above and beyond to make it happen. Francis believes he’s in a Conor McGregor vs. Mayweather situation, which he absolutely is not. MMA fighters against boxers just doesn’t make sense to me, but I understand he sees potential for substantial financial gain where I disagree.”
While Ngannou’s boxing aspirations continue to generate buzz, heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has also entered the fray.
Fury has been vocal on social media, engaging in verbal sparring with UFC personalities. Notably, he recently called out Ngannou, demanding the Cameroonian sign a contract for a potential clash:
“Francis Ngannou, you big mush. I’m your daddy… I’m the baddest man on the planet, and I’ll give you the best time you ever had, you big dosser. Sign the contract, you big stiff idiot.”