Is Francis Ngannou Leaving UFC? Why is Francis Ngannou Leaving UFC?
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Jun 16, 2023
Who is Francis Ngannou?
Francis Zavier Ngannou was born on September 5, 1986, and he is a popular and professional mixed martial artist from Cameroon with French citizenship. He competed in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and held the UFC Heavyweight Championship title.
On May 16, 2023, it was announced that Ngannou had signed a multi-fight contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Under this agreement, he will compete in the PFL's pay-per-view "super fight" division while maintaining the freedom to participate in other sports like boxing.
Notably, Ngannou negotiated on behalf of his opponents, ensuring they would receive a minimum payout of $2 million. Furthermore, Ngannou will serve on the PFL's global advisory board, advocating for fighters' interests. He will also become an equity owner and chairman of the forthcoming PFL Africa league.
Ngannou's signing with the PFL has been hailed as a historic moment for the sport. Daniel Cormier remarked that it establishes a new benchmark for the MMA free-agent market, while journalists John S. Nash and Alex Pattle described various aspects of the deal as unprecedented.
Is Francis Ngannou Leaving UFC?
Francis Ngannou, one of the top heavyweights in MMA, will continue his fighting career with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) following his departure from the UFC. Ngannou's contract negotiations with the UFC fell apart when his requests for health insurance and personal sponsorships were rejected, resulting in him being stripped of the UFC heavyweight title.
The 36-year-old Ngannou has signed an exclusive deal with the PFL, where he will compete in the pay-per-view super fight division. Additionally, he will serve as the chairman and equity owner of PFL Africa, demonstrating his commitment to developing the sport on the continent.
While the exact terms of the agreement were not disclosed, Ngannou expressed his belief in the PFL's fighter-centric approach and its global vision. He also announced his intention to take on a leadership role as Chairman of PFL Africa, offering African fighters the opportunity to compete on a worldwide stage.
PFL CEO Peter Murray stated that Ngannou's first scheduled fight under the PFL will take place in early 2024. Murray emphasized that Ngannou's involvement with the PFL goes beyond just being an athlete, describing the partnership as a strategic one. Ngannou's inclusion in the PFL global advisory board as an active fighter representing the interests of other fighters is a first for the organization.
While the PFL has its unique format with regular seasons, playoffs, and a championship event, Ngannou will exclusively compete in the planned PPV division, alongside other notable stars like Kayla Harrison and Jake Paul. The PFL supports Ngannou's interest in pursuing boxing and will not hinder his endeavors in that sport.
Ngannou's signing with the PFL marks a significant milestone for the company. Murray believes it is a transformative deal, emphasizing Ngannou's capabilities not only as an elite MMA fighter but also as a businessperson. The partnership aligns with the PFL's plans for global expansion and their focus on launching a pay-per-view business while developing regional leagues.
After his departure from the UFC, Ngannou explored options with other organizations such as ONE Championship, but ultimately chose the PFL. His signing is considered the most significant in the history of the PFL, surpassing previous signings of outside stars like Jake Paul and Claressa Shields. The PFL is now looking forward to the next phase of growth, expanding internationally and establishing themselves in the pay-per-view market.
Ngannou's announcement on May 16 created anticipation, and his arrival in the PFL adds excitement to the promotion's already stacked roster. His previous victories, including winning the UFC heavyweight championship and one successful title defense, highlight his impressive skills. Ngannou's relationship with the UFC deteriorated to the point where UFC President Dana White declared that Ngannou would never return to the organization.
Ngannou's journey to join the PFL involved negotiations with multiple organizations, and the PFL's determination to secure his signing proved successful. With Ngannou's addition, the PFL continues to make waves in the MMA world, showcasing their ability to attract top talent and create compelling matchups.
Why Did Francis Ngannou Leave The UFC?
Francis Ngannou has clarified that his departure from the UFC was not motivated by financial reasons. The heavyweight fighter is currently a free agent as he was unable to reach an agreement with the UFC regarding a new contract.
Ngannou's statement emphasizes that his decision to leave the UFC was not solely driven by monetary factors. While the exact details of the negotiations and disagreements between Ngannou and the UFC have not been disclosed, it is apparent that the issues at hand extended beyond financial terms.
When a professional athlete becomes a free agent, it means their previous contract has expired, and they are open to exploring opportunities with other organizations. In Ngannou's case, his tenure with the UFC came to an end due to a failure to reach mutually satisfactory terms for a new contract.
The specifics of the negotiations and the factors that led to the impasse between Ngannou and the UFC remain private. It could involve a variety of elements, such as disagreements over compensation, contractual obligations, sponsorship opportunities, or even personal considerations.
It's important to note that contract negotiations in the sports industry are complex and involve multiple factors beyond just money. Fighters often seek deals that align with their career goals, aspirations, and personal values. While financial compensation is a significant aspect, other elements such as promotional support, creative control, and career advancement opportunities also come into play.
Ngannou's assertion that his departure from the UFC was not solely about money suggests that there were other crucial factors involved in his decision-making process. Without further details or statements from Ngannou or the UFC, it is challenging to pinpoint the precise nature of the disagreements that led to the breakdown in contract talks.
As a free agent, Ngannou is now in a position to explore opportunities with other organizations in the MMA world. Other promotions may present alternative contract terms and conditions that align better with his desired vision for his career.
It's worth mentioning that the departure of high-profile athletes from established promotions like the UFC can generate significant attention and speculation within the combat sports community. Fans and experts closely follow these developments, eagerly anticipating where the athlete will ultimately choose to continue their professional journey.
In Ngannou's case, as a highly regarded heavyweight fighter and former UFC champion, his free agency status has sparked widespread interest and speculation about potential destinations for his next fights. It remains to be seen which organization Ngannou will choose to join and how his career will unfold from this point forward.
Francis Ngannou On UFC Exit
Ngannou's unwavering confidence in his choice to leave the UFC shines through, particularly in the face of doubt expressed by fellow MMA fighter Conor McGregor. McGregor, known for his outspoken nature, questioned Ngannou's decision. However, Ngannou stood firm and maintained his conviction that parting ways with the UFC was the best move for his career.
On Tuesday, Ngannou officially announced his signing with the PFL, securing a significant and financially rewarding MMA deal. While specific contract details have not been disclosed, it is evident that Ngannou's decision to join the PFL was based on factors that aligned better with his personal and professional objectives.
The PFL offers a fresh platform for Ngannou to showcase his skills as he embarks on a new chapter of his career. By debuting in 2024, Ngannou will have ample time to prepare and adjust to his new organization's requirements and expectations.
Ngannou's decision to join the PFL comes after his departure from the UFC, where he previously held the heavyweight championship title. His departure generated significant attention within the MMA community, with fans and pundits speculating on the potential reasons behind his exit. Ngannou's signing with the PFL has solidified his next career move and presented him with fresh opportunities to compete at the highest level.
The PFL, known for its unique competition format encompassing regular seasons, playoffs, and a championship event, provides Ngannou with a different organizational structure and potentially new opponents to face. Additionally, the PFL's willingness to invest in top talent, as demonstrated by their signing of Ngannou, signals their ambition to establish themselves as a formidable player in the MMA landscape.
Ngannou's determination to forge his own path and explore alternative opportunities outside the UFC reflects the evolving nature of the MMA industry. As fighters gain more leverage and autonomy in shaping their careers, decisions like Ngannou's departure from the UFC become increasingly common. It also highlights the growing competitiveness among MMA promotions, with organizations like the PFL actively seeking to attract top-tier talent.
Ultimately, Ngannou's signing with the PFL solidifies his position as a marquee fighter and raises anticipation for his future fights under the PFL banner. Fans eagerly await his debut and the fresh matchups that await him in the organization. Ngannou's confidence in his choice, despite skepticism from McGregor or others, speaks to his belief in his own abilities and his determination to carve out a successful path in the ever-evolving world of MMA
Is Francis Ngannou Leaving UFC- FAQs
Francis Ngannou is a professional mixed martial artist from Cameroon with French citizenship. He competed in the Heavyweight division of the UFC and held the UFC Heavyweight Championship title.
Ngannou's departure from the UFC was not solely motivated by financial reasons. While specific details have not been disclosed, it is evident that the issues at hand extended beyond monetary terms. Ngannou's desire for health insurance and personal sponsorships, among other factors, played a role in the breakdown of contract negotiations.
Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after departing from the UFC. He agreed to a multi-fight contract and will compete in the PFL's pay-per-view "super fight" division.
Ngannou will have the freedom to participate in other sports, such as boxing, alongside his MMA career in the PFL.
In addition to being an active fighter, Ngannou will serve on the PFL's global advisory board, advocating for fighters' interests. He will also become an equity owner and chairman of the forthcoming PFL Africa league
Ngannou's first scheduled fight under the PFL is set to take place in early 2024.
Ngannou's signing with the PFL is considered historic for the sport. It establishes a new benchmark for the MMA free-agent market and showcases the PFL's ambition to attract top talent and expand globally.