Regarding the recent agreement that Francis Ngannou struck with the Professional Fighters League, there has been a wide range of perspectives among MMA specialists. Dana White, however, is one of those who is quite unsure of how the deal would work between the two parties.
Even though Francis spent almost a decade in Dana’s organization, the relationship between the two MMA icons has been quite shaky lately which resulted in Ngannou leaving UFC. During the post-fight press conference for tonight’s UFC Fight Night, the UFC president criticized the former UFC kingpin’s PFL deal.
What did Dana White say regarding the PFL deal with Francis Ngannou?
“Based on what I know about the deal. It makes no sense to me. I mean, you’re going to pay a guy not to fight for a year. And it’s already been like 18 months. He’s fought three times in the last three years. “Dana said.
Dana White talks Francis Ngannou.#UFC pic.twitter.com/DlNx1BtgSy
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) May 21, 2023
In addition to that, White also said that he almost knew this was all going to happen to The Predator. Apparently, it took five months for Francis to settle in another organization. During his time as a free agent, Francis couldn’t seal a deal with Bellator, One Championship, or Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
Dana White on Francis Ngannou’s deal with PFL:
“Based on what I know about the deal, which is not much, it makes no sense to me. You're going to pay a guy not to fight for a year and it's already been like 18 months” pic.twitter.com/8fLQ2nEX6W
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) May 21, 2023
Summary of The Predator’s PFL deal
The PFL definitely offered the Cameroonian fighter a significantly higher salary, but he also signed on because of the significant roles he will get to play for the newly established MMA promotion. Most importantly it is a strategic alliance rather than a simple agreement that will assist The Predator and the MMA organization in achieving their ultimate goal.
The groundbreaking deal also secures Ngannou’s position as PFL Africa chairman. The heavyweight fighter will also be a member of the advisory board of PFL to regulate many important decisions. The former UFC heavyweight champion has not mentioned how many fights he will participate in as part of this contract, but he made sure that his opponents get paid $2 million for fighting him.
Francis Ngannou's PFL deal includes:
• High 7-figure per fight guarantee
• $2M guarantee for his opponents
• A share of each event's net profits
• Freedom to box & sign sponsors
• Equity in the PFL & Chairman of PFL AfricaSafe to say leaving the UFC was the right move. pic.twitter.com/E8AdCcAfL0
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) May 17, 2023
What do you think about the Francis Ngannou deal? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
