Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will make his PFL (Professional Fighters League) debut on October 19. If rumors are to be believed, the 38-year-old is set to take home a payday rarely seen in MMA.
Francis Ngannou has shaken up the codes? The Cameroonian has cashed the biggest check of his career thanks to English boxing. He explained during an interview with RMC Sport that a single fight in the ring had allowed him to win more than in his entire MMA career. The ‘Predator’ had two fights in professional boxing, and not against just anyone.
Ngannou lost a split decision to Tyson Fury in October 2023, then suffered his first career knockout loss in his clash with Anthony Joshua. After more than two years without a fight in MMA, Francis Ngannou is set to return to the cage. And apparently, he’s going to get a payday worthy of a boxing star.
Francis Ngannou, a huge payday in MMA
According to the magazine ForbesFrancis Ngannou should receive “more than 10 million dollars” for his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira in the PFL Super Fights « Battle Of The Giants » in Saudi Arabia. The PFL is expected to pay other stars on the card like Cris Cyborg “more than a million dollars” and Larissa Pacheco “a little less than a million dollars.”
PFL President Don Davis recently said the event « Battle Of The Giants » cost more than UFC Noche (see all results). According to Dana White, this event cost more than $20 million to produce.
Minimum 2 million for Ngannou’s opponents?
As part of his deal with the PFL, Francis Ngannou reportedly requested a provision that would guarantee his opponents a purse of at least $2 million. Speaking earlier this month, Renan Ferreira made a point of thanking the former UFC champion:
“My respect for him has only grown because he has sought better opportunities, not just for himself as an athlete. Not just to gain space in the boxing scene, which is difficult for MMA fighters. Even though he didn’t have a good performance in his last fight, but it was huge of him to say that his opponent should be valued as well. It was very nice of him.”
“I am happy to be here and fight it. This turning point in my career is the culmination of a long journey of hard work and dedication. I am proud of the story I have written with honesty, without ever trampling on others. It makes me really happy.” (via TheMacLife)
Francis Ngannou is fighting to improve conditions for fighters. This is one of the reasons why he had disagreements with the UFC and parted ways with the American organization. Francis Ngannou has a real challenge to face in Renan Ferreira. The 2-foot-3 Brazilian is the 2023 PFL heavyweight champion. In his last fight, he inflicted a 21-second knockout of Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader.
Who do you think will win between Ngannou and Ferreira?
