Everything You Need to Know About Francis Ngannou’s More Than $4 Million per Fight Deal With PFL

Published 10/24/2023, 4:11 PM EDT

Francis Ngannou always wanted to try boxing before getting into the MMA. Now, he’ll make his pro-boxing debut against Tyson Fury on October 28 in Saudi Arabia. Francis Ngannou initially loved boxing and was a fan of Mike Tyson. In Paris, he met Fernand Lopez Owonyebe, an MMA coach. Owonyebe introduced him to MMA and let him stay at his gym. By 2013, Ngannou started his pro career in a French MMA event. Before facing UFC champion Stipe Miocic, Ngannou had a ten-fight win streak. But he got overconfident in his fight against Miocic, revealing weaknesses in his game.

Recovering from the loss was tough. After a fulfilling journey in UFC, Ngannou and UFC split this year, but problems began back in 2018 after his loss to Miocic. This is because UFC boss Dana White was disappointed. Ngannou waited nearly three years for another title shot. Even after winning, issues persisted. He wanted to delay his title defense from August to September. Ngannou also criticized low fight pay and called for health benefits. His UFC contract ended last December, making him a free agent. He’s the second champion to leave UFC since B.J. Penn in 2004. After leaving UFC, Ngannou signed a PFL deal that allowed him greater freedom to do what he wanted.

What is Francis Ngannou’s PFL deal?

In May 2023, the 36-year-old Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The deal offers him financial security and a voice, something he lacked in the UFC. Industry sources say he could earn over $4 million per fight, while his future PFL opponents could make at least $2 million.

His last UFC fight in January 2022 earned him about $650,000. Ngannou also gets a share of the profits from his events and can have his own sponsorship deals. He will also serve as the chairman for PFL Africa, set to launch in 2024 with events planned for 2025. Not only this, he can also schedule boxing events outside the PFL.

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According to a report from the Bloody Elbow, Ngannou has potentially two or three fights with the PFL. He will earn a “high seven-figure” purse for each and receive several incentives, including profit-sharing and a chairman role for PFL’s Africa expansion.

Leaving the UFC was a risk for Ngannou, but it paid off. He got everything he wanted from PFL. Dana White’s criticism is puzzling, as Ngannou is no longer on UFC’s payroll. However, Ngannou’s move could inspire other UFC fighters to seek better deals.

According to the report, “Multiple sources that had knowledge of his negotiations and the agreement has informed Bloody Elbow that this deal would not only make him one of the highest-paid fighters but also give him an almost unheard of level of freedom and favorable terms.”

Additionally, in Ngannou’s regard, this deal has earned him the respect he deserves.

Why Ngannou wanted a PFL Deal

Francis Ngannou told Front Office Sports, “It was embarrassing..I’d get to places with some athletes that are not even on my level, and they’re talking about their deals and their revenue. I’d just shut my mouth and try to sneak out. … For about five years, it was a topic that I wasn’t able to talk about out loud.” Not only this, the former UFC champion also expressed his concerns over a spree of tweets. He also recognized that the PFL Deal gives him the required respect he deserves.

I’m finally getting paid and respected, and have a deal that’s fair and equal for all parties. Why are you so against me being free and happy?
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023

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Additionally, Ngannou expressed a strong desire to fight in Africa, his home continent. He aims to give back to his community through his athletic achievements. However, this wish has never been taken into account. The Predator added, “At least one show, one Fight Night, so I could fight on my continent…I really want to bring something back home. For an athlete, you want to get something and bring it back to your people. But none of that was ever considered.”

Francis Ngannou Net Worth 2023: How Much Money Did He Make in His UFC Career?

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Ngannou’s journey shows the power of choice and voice in an athlete’s career. He broke free from limitations, both financial and creative, by leaving UFC for PFL. Now, he enjoys not just better pay but also the freedom to box and expand the sport in Africa. His story could be a game-changer, inspiring other athletes to demand what they deserve. Don’t just watch his next fight; watch his next moves. They’re shaping the future of combat sports.

Watch This Story: Francis Ngannou’s Gruesome Training With Mike Tyson Ahead Of October Bout

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Written by:

Tanya Tewari is a Boxing Writer at EssentiallySports. With a BA Honors in Literature and Linguistics, she uniquely combines her love for writing with her fervor for boxing. Her experience as a content creator helps her bring a fan's perspective to the sport of boxing.

Edited by:

Gokul Pillai

Everything You Need to Know About Francis Ngannou’s More Than $4 Million per Fight Deal With PFL

What is Francis Ngannou’s PFL deal?

Why Ngannou wanted a PFL Deal

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