Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has officially signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after leaving the UFC earlier this year. However, UFC president Dana White has expressed his doubts and claimed that Ngannou’s move to the PFL doesn’t “make sense.”
Ngannou’s Departure from the UFC
Ngannou decided to part ways with the UFC after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. While he expressed his interest in pursuing fights in the boxing ring, he also wanted to continue competing in MMA. This led him to sign a lucrative deal with the PFL, a promotion known for its tournament-style format.
Doubts from Dana White
Dana White, known for his outspoken nature, questioned the logic behind Ngannou’s move to the PFL. White believes that Ngannou may have unrealistic expectations regarding the financial opportunities in the boxing world. Moreover, White emphasized that the highly anticipated bout between Ngannou and a top boxing heavyweight may not materialize, potentially impacting the financial prospects for Ngannou.
White’s Criticism
White cited Anthony Joshua’s recent comments referring to Ngannou’s potential boxing match as a “gimmick fight.” According to White, the focus should be on fighting the best in the world, rather than pursuing gimmicks. He expressed his disagreement with the idea of MMA fighters taking on boxers and stressed that the Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather bout was a unique case that doesn’t represent a sustainable trend.
The Offer from the UFC
White revealed that the UFC made a substantial offer to Ngannou in an attempt to keep him in the promotion. Hunter Campbell, the UFC‘s chief negotiator, went above and beyond to secure a deal that would satisfy Ngannou. However, Ngannou seemed to believe that he had a blockbuster fight similar to McGregor vs. Mayweather on his hands, which White vehemently disagrees with.
Ngannou’s Response
Despite the criticism, Ngannou remains steadfast in his decision. He dismissed the negative comments and defended his choice, stating that he had the best deal and that the critics were speaking out of ignorance. Ngannou remained confident in his path and seemed unfazed by the doubts surrounding his move to the PFL.
Next Steps for Ngannou
Ngannou’s immediate plans include pursuing a tune-up fight in the boxing ring before making his debut in the PFL. While his potential dream matchup with Jon Jones, a UFC legend, is unlikely to happen due to their affiliations with rival promotions, Ngannou remains focused on his journey in both boxing and MMA.
In Conclusion
Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC and subsequent signing with the PFL has raised eyebrows in the MMA community. While Dana White questions the decision and the potential financial gains, Ngannou stands firm in his belief that he made the right choice. Only time will tell how this move will play out for the former UFC champion and whether he will find success in both the boxing ring and the PFL cage.
Subscribe
