Francis Ngannou News

Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou's manager believes fans will be shocked by former UFC champion's first boxing match

Josh Evanoff - May 24, 2023

Francis Ngannou’s manager, Marquel Martin, believes fans will be shocked by his boxing debut. ‘The Predator’ made headlines earlier this month by ending his high-profile free agency. In January, Ngannou walked out of the UFC, becoming the first reigning champion since BJ Penn in 2004 to do so. At the time, the heavyweight stated that issues with pay, restrictive contracts, an inability to box, and more, triggered his move.

Francis Ngannou
UFC

Francis Ngannou's manager says they got "very close" to re-signing with the UFC at certain points

Cole Shelton - May 24, 2023

Marquel Martin, the manager of Francis Ngannou, says the former UFC heavyweight champion got close to re-signing with the Las Vegas-based promotion. Ahead of UFC 270, it was well-known that Ngannou was fighting out his contract when he was defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. He had been vocal about his displeasure with the UFC at times, but many expected him to eventually re-sign with the promotion.

Dana White, Brendan Schaub
Dana White

Brendan Schaub responds to Dana White’s criticism of Francis Ngannou’s new PFL deal: “Gimmicks? You own the slap fight league”

Fernando Quiles - May 24, 2023

Brendan Schaub believes UFC President Dana White is being hypocritical when addressing Francis Ngannou’s PFL signing. Ngannou and the UFC parted ways back in January. The two sides couldn’t come to terms on a new deal, and Ngannou, who was the UFC Heavyweight Champion, was free to sign with another promotion. He recently inked a deal with the PFL, and he will be allowed to have a boxing match later this year.

Francis Ngannou
Matt Brown

Matt Brown discusses PFL’s “gamble” with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou: “I think the over/under looks pretty bad for them”

Harry Kettle - May 24, 2023

MMA veteran Matt Brown has discussed PFL’s gamble by making such a lucrative offer to former UFC champion Francis Ngannou. The MMA world now knows what Francis Ngannou’s next move is: to fight for PFL next year. Of course, that’s just in the cage because he also looks set to make his boxing debut later in 2023. ‘The Predator’ was able to secure a blockbuster deal with the promotion that may well be the most lucrative in the history of mixed martial arts.

Francis Ngannou
Randy Couture

Randy Couture names PFL fighter he'd like to see fight Francis Ngannou: "I would watch that fight"

Fernando Quiles - May 23, 2023

MMA legend Randy Couture has revealed which PFL heavyweight he’d like to see throw down with Francis Ngannou. The Ngannou sweepstakes is officially underway. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion is now a PFL fighter, and his first opponent under the promotion is set to make a cool $2 million. Some have already thrown their name in the hat. One of those fighters is former UFC heavyweight Ben Rothwell.

Francis Ngannou
Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo questions “where the hell is PFL getting all this money” following Francis Ngannou acquisition

Harry Kettle - May 23, 2023

Henry Cejudo has questioned where PFL is getting its funding from following their recent deal with Francis Ngannou. The recent acquisition of Francis Ngannou was huge news for PFL. They’ve been making steady gains for a while now, but bringing in a name like Francis was a real statement of intent. They made it known that they aren’t here to mess around, offering ‘The Predator’ an incredibly lucrative deal.

Ariel Helwani
Dana White

Ariel Helwani takes aim at Dana White for his “bullsh*t way of framing” former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou

Harry Kettle - May 23, 2023

MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has taken a shot at Dana White for the way in which he framed Francis Ngannou’s UFC departure. It’s safe to say that the relationship between Dana White and Francis Ngannou isn’t the best right now. In fact, you could probably go a step further and claim that it’s broken for good. Following his exit from the UFC, Ngannou was slandered by White in a variety of ways – and the president kept that going during last weekend’s post-fight press conference.

Francis Ngannou, Dana White, UFC, UFC 285
Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou responds to UFC President Dana White: “What is your problem with me?”

Fernando Quiles - May 21, 2023

Newly-signed PFL heavyweight Francis Ngannou wants to know what beef UFC President Dana White has with him. It was splitsville for Ngannou and the UFC back in January. While “The Predator” was the UFC Heavyweight Champion at the time, the two sides couldn’t come to terms on a new deal. Ultimately, Ngannou signed with the PFL, and White shared some not-so-favorable thoughts on the move.

Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou

Brendan Schaub questions if Francis Ngannou signing is a great deal for the PFL: “History would say no”

Harry Kettle - May 19, 2023

Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub has called Francis Ngannou’s PFL deal into question after it was announced earlier this week. As most of us know, Francis Ngannou has officially signed with PFL. While some of the reactions from fans were mixed, a lot of fighters came out to voice their support for ‘The Predator’. In addition to fighting for PFL, he’ll also be allowed to venture into the boxing ring.

Francis Ngannou Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya

UFC champion Israel Adesanya weighs in on Francis Ngannou signing with PFL: “It creates a big ripple in the game”

Harry Kettle - May 19, 2023

UFC champion Israel Adesanya has praised Francis Ngannou following the announcement that he has signed a deal with PFL. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Francis Ngannou had signed with PFL. In addition to the signing itself, plenty of details were also released, which included guaranteed seven-figure purses for his opponents, a big role in PFL Africa, the ability to compete in boxing and more. Whichever way you look at it, Francis Ngannou will be making a lot of money.

Boxing News

Eddie Hearn explains why Anthony Joshua is not interested in doing “something a little bit gimmicky” by fighting Francis Ngannou

Harry Kettle - May 19, 2023

Eddie Hearn has explained why Anthony Joshua isn’t interested in a boxing match against Francis Ngannou right now. Earlier this week, it was announced that Francis Ngannou had signed a blockbuster deal with PFL. However, it was also revealed that he won’t make his debut until 2024, instead giving him time to try and have his long-awaited boxing debut instead.

Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou, Boxing, UFC
Tyson Fury

Francis Ngannou offers to box Tyson Fury after 'The Gpysy King' blasts proposed next opponents

Josh Evanoff - May 18, 2023

PFL heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou is still hoping to box Tyson Fury. ‘The Predator’ famously ended his lengthy free agency earlier this week. In January, Ngannou made history as the first champion to leave the UFC since BJ Penn did so in 2004. At the time, the heavyweight stated that restrictive contracts, as well as a lack of an ability to box, forced his move.

Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou

Former WBO middleweight and super-middleweight champion says Francis Ngannou is an “ignorant wanker” for thinking he can compete with boxing’s top heavyweights

Fernando Quiles - May 18, 2023

A former world boxing champion has put newly-signed PFL fighter Francis Ngannou on blast for thinking he can box. Ngannou has made headlines after ending his free agency period. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion inked a deal with PFL. He will serve as the Chairman of PFL Africa, receive equity in the company, and will be allowed to have boxing matches outside the organization.

Francis Ngannou, Jon Jones
Jon Jones

Francis Ngannou admits he will always regret not getting to fight 'GOAT' Jon Jones

Josh Evanoff - May 17, 2023

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou does regret missing out on a fight with Jon Jones. ‘The Predator’ ended his lengthy free agency earlier this week, signing with the PFL. Ngannou got a lot in his deal with the company, including a guarantee of seven figures per fight, a role on a fighter advocacy board, the ability to lead PFL Africa, box, and more. Naturally, his signing has again ignited a war of words with ‘Bones’.

Jake Paul

Jake Paul pitches PFL vs. UFC card featuring Francis Ngannou after massive signing

Josh Evanoff - May 17, 2023

PFL’s Jake Paul has sent a challenge to the UFC after the promotion’s signing of Francis Ngannou. Earlier this week, ‘The Predator’ ended his lengthy free agency period. Ngannou famously left the UFC in January, making history as the first champion to leave the company since BJ Penn in 2004. For months, fighters and fans alike wondered where the heavyweight contender would land.

Daniel Cormier, Francis Ngannou, UFC
Francis Ngannou

Daniel Cormier applauds Francis Ngannou for “setting a new standard” in the free-agent market

Susan Cox - May 17, 2023

Daniel Cormier is applauding Francis Ngannou for ‘setting a new standard’ in the free-agent market. Ngannou  (17-3 MMA) left the UFC in January of this year after being unable to come to a contract agreement with the promotion.

Francis Ngannou
Professional Fighters League (PFL)

Pro Fighters react to Francis Ngannou’s new contract with PFL: “Congrats on the biggest deal in MMA history”

Harry Kettle - May 17, 2023

A parade of fighters have given their thoughts on the news that Francis Ngannou has opted to sign a deal with the PFL. Earlier this week, it was announced that Francis Ngannou had signed a deal with the PFL. In addition to fighting with the MMA promotion next year, he’ll also take on several other roles – and he’ll also be allowed to pursue a boxing venture.

Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou explains why PFL debut isn't slated until 2024

Josh Evanoff - May 16, 2023

PFL heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou has explained why his promotional debut won’t happen for a while. ‘The Predator’ has been out of the cage since a unanimous decision win over Ciryl Gane in January 2022. That bout was the last of his contract with the UFC, and he became a free agent earlier this year. For months, fans and fighters alike wondered where Ngannou would sign.