Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has once again refuted Dana White’s claims about his earnings, asserting that the UFC president is not being truthful about the financial aspects of their negotiations.
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Ngannou addressed White’s comments that characterized his boxing earnings as a “myth” and claimed he would have made more in the UFC. Ngannou firmly disagreed, stating, “It wasn’t right, it wasn’t true. There wasn’t offering me any money that was close to what I have.”
The Cameroonian star emphasized that the discussion should not solely focus on money but also consider contract terms and freedom. He explained, “Nobody mentioned the terms of the contract, the freedom that I had to do what I want, which was never an option in his [offer].”
Ngannou revealed that even without including his upcoming PFL event, his earnings from his two boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua far exceeded what the UFC had proposed for potential bouts against Jon Jones. He stated, “Not even close, different stratosphere.”
The heavyweight star also expressed frustration with White’s continued focus on the situation, questioning, “After over two years, [it] becomes a drama… I think I’m getting old for those [expletive].”
Ngannou suggested that the UFC could have handled the situation more professionally, saying, “This could end up like, ‘Okay, we couldn’t come to an agreement, sorry for this, and good luck,’ and we move on.”
As Ngannou prepares for his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira on October 19, he remains firm in his stance that leaving the UFC was the right decision for his career and financial future.
Ngannou reveals UFC promised to give him ‘backpay’ in paycheck dispute
Ngannou explained that after his Card with Ciryl Gane, the UFC called him for a meeting and promised to include backpay in a new contract offer. However, when the offer was presented, Ngannou realized that the supposed backpay was actually included in the purse, effectively meaning he wouldn’t be paid extra for the upcoming bout.
“They promised me that they’re going to make a… they’re going to back pay me,” Ngannou stated. “When they were making this offer, which again is lower to wish whatever fight I have made or I’m going to make from there… I was like, ‘You talk about the back pay?’ They say it’s included. Then I’m like, ‘Okay, if the back pay is truly included, that means I’m not being paid in this fight.'”
This revelation sheds new light on the contract disputes that led to Ngannou’s departure from the UFC and his subsequent move to professional boxing and the PFL.
