Francis Ngannou.PHOTO: UFC
Where will UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou fight this year? His last title duel took place on January 22, 2022. The Predator won, then he had surgery and also the fact that his contract was coming to an end. In addition, the Frenchman said that he would also like boxing duels and more funding from the UFC. And time still passed. No result. Foreign media are now speculating that his contract with the UFC has expired and he may take a different course. What will the reality be?
Last week, YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul signed a contract with the PFL MMA organization to fight in the new Super Fight division, where the fighters should receive 50% of the paid broadcast of the matches as a reward. And here can fly amounts that have no boundaries. If PFL mixes an interesting product, it will be difficult to estimate possible financial allocations.
And it is the American PFL stable that can also play a role regarding the French champion. Even Ngannou himself fueled speculation about his possible departure. He posted a photo where two women are sitting next to the wrestler. One is wearing traditional African clothing. The other is wearing a T-shirt with the PFL logo.
Surprise, coincidence, provocation? “Starting the best year ever,” added Ngannou’s caption.
Many fans believe that the jersey is proof that the champion is ready to join Paul and sign a contract with the PFL that can bring him a bigger wallet.
The king of the UFC heavy division collected 600 thousand dollars for the last duel. With the new contract, he demanded a higher salary as well as possible boxing matches. And here he could meet big names. Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder. And these super boxing duels would attract fans. And Ngannou knows it. He is thirty-six years old, his career will not continue to rise, it is time to earn for the years after his sports career.
In addition. Ngannou has peaked in the UFC, he has a title. You can check this off. What can keep him in the UFC? Finances, possible boxing matches and above all, a possible clash with the legend that is Jon Jones, who is waiting for the UFC heavyweight premiere.
What will Ngannou end up giving the nod to? It is certain that he will not make a profit. The whole situation is still unfolding and fans are waiting for the official verdict so that the speculations can be put to rest.
