Francis Ngannou News
Francis Ngannou responds to 'ignorant' Conor McGregor
Lewis Simpson - May 16, 2023
Francis Ngannou has stuck by his gun and is confident he made the right decision to part ways with the UFC, even when the sport’s biggest star challenged it. On Tuesday, May. 16, it was announced that Francis Ngannou had signed a lucrative deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and will make his debut with the promotion in mid-2024.
Jon Jones reacts after former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou signs with PFL
Chris Taylor - May 16, 2023
Jon Jones has reacted to the news that former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has signed a deal to fight for PFL (Professional Fighters League). Earlier today, news broke that ‘The Predator’ has found a new home under the PFL banner. The 36-year-old Ngannou will have ‘equity and leadership’ roles within the company, which includes a seat on the promotion’s athlete advisory board as well as a role of chairman of PFL Africa.
Francis Ngannou names the boxer he plans to face before making his PFL debut
Susan Cox - May 16, 2023
Francis Ngannou is naming the boxer he plans to face before making his PFL debut. The former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, made headlines today, Tuesday, May 16th, when it was revealed that he signed a multi-fight, exclusive MMA contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Francis Ngannou signs with PFL, will make his promotional debut in 2024
Susan Cox - May 16, 2023
‘The Predator’ has landed. Francis Ngannou (17-3 MMA) has signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and will make his promotional debut in 2024. The news of the signing first broke with ‘The New York Times‘.
Michael Bisping believes Jon Jones’ recent comments could lead to Francis Ngannou returning to the UFC
Susan Cox - May 5, 2023
Michael Bisping believes Jon Jones’ recent comments could lead to Francis Ngannou returning to the UFC. Earlier this week, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones alluded to the fact that following his fight with Stipe Miocic, time, date and place yet to be confirmed, he will probably retire. That with the caveat that perhaps the only thing that might keep him’ in the game’, would be a battle in the Octagon with Francis Ngannou.
Daniel Cormier believes Francis Ngannou should just “bite the bullet” and return to UFC: “The money that he was offered, I’ve heard, was a very lucrative number”
Susan Cox - May 4, 2023
Daniel Cormier believes Francis Ngannou should just ‘bite the bullet’ and return to the UFC. Ngannou (17-3 MMA) has not fought in the Octagon since January of 2022 at UFC 270. The former UFC heavyweight champion last defeated Ciryl Gane (11-2 MMA) via unanimous decision. Following the victory and unable to come to terms on his UFC contract, the fighter was released from the promotion in January of this year and stripped of his title in the process.
Coach says Francis Ngannou’s pay would have significantly dropped if he’d lost to Jon Jones: “It wasn’t 8 million PER fight”
Susan Cox - May 3, 2023
Coach Nicksick says Francis Ngannou’s pay would have significantly dropped if he’d lost to Jon Jones. Erick Nicksick is the head coach and general manager of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada.
ONE Championship's Chatri Sityodtong alleges Francis Ngannou turned down $20 million dollar payday: "The money wasn't enough"
Josh Evanoff - May 2, 2023
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong has discussed his meeting with Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ is reportedly in the process of ending his long-discussed free agency. Ngannou famously left the UFC in January due to a litany of complaints pertaining to a lack of health insurance, proper pay, and the ability to have a boxing match. He vacated the heavyweight title upon his departure but discussed his hope for a high-profile boxing match.
Ariel Helwani reveals Francis Ngannou could find his next MMA home as soon as this week
Josh Evanoff - May 1, 2023
According to Ariel Helwani, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou won’t be a free agent for long. ‘The Predator’ has been out of the octagon for over a year, last defeating Ciryl Gane by decision in January 2022. That victory will likely end up being the last of Ngannou’s UFC career, as he left the promotion earlier this year. In the process, he vacated his heavyweight title.
ONE Championship drops out of running to sign Francis Ngannou: "We decided not to submit our final offer"
Cole Shelton - May 1, 2023
Francis Ngannou will not be signing with ONE Championship. After Ngannou fought out his UFC contract and was released from the promotion, many expected him to sign with another promotion rather quickly. The former UFC heavyweight champion was adamant about taking a boxing fight first but he made it clear he would fight in MMA. Immediately, ONE Championship, PFL and Bellator expressed interest but after meeting with Ngannou, ONE has decided not to submit a final offer.
ONE Championship CEO reveals impending meeting with Francis Ngannou: "Biggest offer on the table"
Josh Evanoff - April 26, 2023
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong believes Francis Ngannou might have a home shortly. ‘The Predator’ has been a free agent since January, when he left the UFC. In the process, Ngannou vacated his heavyweight title, with the promotion later booking Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant championship. ‘Bones’ later submitted ‘Bon Gamin’ in round one to earn the title.
Curtis Blaydes explains why he believes Francis Ngannou has a better shot in boxing compared to Conor McGregor
Harry Kettle - April 21, 2023
Curtis Blaydes has explained why he thinks former opponent Francis Ngannou has a better shot in boxing than Conor McGregor did. This weekend, Curtis Blaydes will take on Sergei Pavlovich in a blockbuster heavyweight collision. It will serve as his latest attempt to force himself into the title conversation.
Demetrious Johnson hits back at critics who believe Francis Ngannou made a mistake leaving the UFC: "I've been successful"
Josh Evanoff - April 19, 2023
ONE Championship flyweight titleholder Demetrious Johnson knows you don’t need to be in the UFC to have success. ‘Mighty Mouse’ is currently slated to face Adriano Moraes next month at ONE Fight Night 10. The two flyweights will headline the promotion’s maiden voyage to America, as the event will go down in Colorado. In their first outing in 2021, the Brazilian won by knockout. However, Johnson repaid the favor last year to win the gold.
Eddie Hearn hints at possible Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou fight materializing: "I had lunch with Francis Ngannou"
Lewis Simpson - April 19, 2023
Eddie Hearn has hinted at a possible boxing bout between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou materializing. Ngannou underwent months upon end trying to negotiate a deal with the UFC to stay. However, after failing to agree on terms, the then UFC heavyweight champion made the decision to ultimately part days with the company and test free agency.
Anatoly Malykhin's coach hints at Francis Ngannou clash in ONE Championship
Andrew Whitelaw - April 11, 2023
Is Francis Ngannou heading to ONE Championship? The former UFC Heavyweight champion is currently a free agent having departed the Las Vegas-based promotion after failing to agree new terms with Dana White.
Michael Bisping believes Francis Ngannou has mismanaged his post-UFC future: "If you're not fighting you're not making money"
Josh Evanoff - April 6, 2023
UFC commentator Michael Bisping believes Francis Ngannou has mismanaged his UFC exit. ‘The Predator’ left the MMA company in January as heavyweight champion. At the time, Ngannou stated that issues with Dana White and the UFC’s restrictive contracts forced the exit. As a result, the promotion later booked Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant title.
Chael Sonnen says it’s time for Francis Ngannou to “wake up” and call Dana White: “Everyday he’s not signed, he’s losing”
Harry Kettle - April 5, 2023
MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has given Francis Ngannou some advice as he continues to play the field in free agency. Ever since leaving the UFC earlier this year, many have wondered what Francis Ngannou’s next move will be. The popular opinion, given he wants to be paid well, is that he’ll enter the world of professional boxing.
BKFC's David Feldman reveals Francis Ngannou talks going poorly due to "unrealistic money" request: "He needs to make up his mind"
Josh Evanoff - April 4, 2023
Don’t expect to see Francis Ngannou in BKFC anytime soon. ‘The Predator’ is still searching for his next home in combat sports. Ngannou famously left the UFC in January after fighting out his contract with the company. In the process, he vacated the heavyweight title which was later won by Jon Jones last month at UFC 285.