Ex-UFC Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou, Makes Sports History, Turning Down $8 Million To Give Away $2 Million

Francis Ngannou has an origin story fit for a Marvel movie.

PFL announces their biggest signing to date.Photo byPFL/pflmma.com

From shovelling sand as a child labourer to crossing two oceans (twice) to escape Cameroon and fulfill his dream of becoming a heavyweight boxer -- ultimately living on the streets of Paris before finding a gym to train at/live in.

And, although Francis has yet to step inside the squared circle, the Las Vegas resident has made quite the career for himself as a mixed-martial arts fighter, winning the UFC heavyweight title in March of 2021, via vicious knockout.

The 6'4 "predator" has always hunted down his goals and fought for everything he has. And, despite appearing to be on top of the world, shortly after winning and defending his title, his relationship with UFC brass quickly went sour.

After months of back and forth, Francis and UFC brass couldn't come to terms, and despite being offered one of the most lucrative contracts in UFC history, Francis decided to play his hand at free agency -- a decision many deemed to be a mistake.

Francis (right) and Ariel (left) during an interview on The MMA HourPhoto byMMAfightingonsbn/YouTube

But, on May 16th, 2023 Francis announced a new deal with the PFL (Professional Fighters League). In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Francis outlined some of the sticking points of his negotiations with the UFC and why he ultimately decided to leave the company.

Some highlights of his innovative contract are:

• A split of the event's net profits
• A brand ambassador role for the PFL
• A seat on the board of a potential PFL Africa card
• The freedom to box in events not affiliated with the PFL

But perhaps most intriguing, was the 36-year-old fighter advocating for a guaranteed $2 million purse for all of his future opponents. In the cutthroat world of combat sports, it's rare to see athletes advocate for their opponents' purses. But, while speaking with Ariel, Francis had this to say on the matter:

"I didn't want to get into a fight with someone that worked his way to be in that position then they give me all the money and just give him the little pennies... I think that wasn't fair."

A decision Ariel aptly described as "unprecedented."

Ultimately, Francis turned down a reported $8 million payout to fight current UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. And, in a sport where fighter pay is a hot topic of debate, it seems as though Francis is risking his position and future fame to make major change in the sport.

They say pressure makes diamonds, and it seems as though Francis' humble upbringing is turning him into a gem, helping his fellow fighters cash in on the young sport of MMA.

Hey, I'm Hudson! I write about social media, marketing, and modern entrepreneurship. Hit follow for more stories like this one.