Francis Ngannou`s return to the UFC seems improbable, despite a brief moment of speculation when his head coach hinted that “The Predator” might be open to the possibility.
Although the comments were perhaps exaggerated, merely mentioning Ngannou`s name sparked interest, even exciting reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones about a potential fight. Despite this, Ngannou remains a key figure in the PFL`s future plans and continues to pursue boxing opportunities that were unavailable to him within the UFC structure.
Over two years have passed since Ngannou became a free agent and signed a lucrative deal with the PFL. Was his decision to leave the UFC a mistake?
“You`d need to define `mistake`,” stated UFC veteran Matt Brown on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer. “Financially, he absolutely did not err. His fights against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, regardless of the outcome, earned him an immense amount of money far beyond what the UFC would have offered.”
“Regarding his legacy, he`s largely faded from the conversation within MMA`s heavyweight division. I believe his legacy was significantly harmed. Winning the boxing matches would have greatly enhanced his standing. For example, after his initial fight with Tyson Fury – which many, including myself, felt he won in a close, debatable contest – few argued that his career move was ill-advised at that time.”
Ngannou did knock down Fury but ultimately lost via decision. His next fight was a brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua. He has since returned to the PFL, securing a win against Renan Ferreira in his sole fight for the promotion.
Brown suggests the debate about Ngannou`s decision is primarily influenced by hindsight, given his losses in both boxing bouts against Fury and Joshua.
“The questioning began only after his losses, with the UFC seemingly indifferent,” Brown noted. “Now, everyone asks if it was a mistake. Yet, he earned more from those two fights than he likely would have over a decade in the UFC. From a financial standpoint, it wasn`t a mistake. However, his legacy will indeed suffer; he won`t be considered among the all-time great heavyweights, period.”
“Losing those two boxing matches was likely the worst outcome for him,” Brown commented. “It significantly humanized him.”
Despite the sting of defeat, Brown contends that Ngannou is financially secure, as the earnings from those two boxing encounters likely surpassed his potential lifetime earnings in the UFC.
“Financially, as I said, it enriched him,” Brown reiterated. “He succeeded greatly. Ultimately, this profession is `prize fighting,` and he secured the most significant `prize.` Who are we to label it a mistake? It depends entirely on one`s priorities.”
“He made his money. Ultimately, if he`s content with that, then more power to him. I find it difficult for us to definitively call it a mistake.”
While his boxing earnings undoubtedly exceeded his MMA income, Ngannou wouldn`t have earned negligible sums in the UFC, particularly from a high-profile bout against someone like Jon Jones.
However, Brown suggests that for Ngannou, the exact sum of money might have been less crucial than the underlying principle: the stark contrast between his contract negotiations with the UFC and the level of control he now exercises over his career.
“Viewing it from a purely business perspective,” Brown speculated, “Francis likely considered the revenue split. In the UFC, an arbitrary example might see a $100 million event generating $3 million for him and $97 million for the promotion. In boxing, the split could be closer to 50/50. He`d question why he was accepting such a disproportionate share.”
“Regardless of whether $50 million or $3 million is sufficient for a comfortable life,” Brown continued, “there`s a sense of being exploited. I honestly believe this feeling – being a mere `cog in the wheel` rather than a key driver or simply being utilized – played a larger role than his need for a specific large sum.”
Ultimately, Brown concludes that two seemingly contradictory things can be true regarding Ngannou`s choices to leave the UFC, join PFL, and pursue boxing.
It`s undeniable that his fights against Fury and Joshua, irrespective of results, brought him the largest possible earnings. Simultaneously, his relevance in MMA has dramatically shifted now that he is no longer in the UFC and is unlikely to compete there again.
“Does Francis even care?” Brown mused, chuckling. “Frankly, if I were in his position with $30 million, you likely wouldn`t hear from me either. He might well prefer this quiet life.”
“Currently, in MMA terms, few seem focused on Francis; you don`t hear much discussion about his fighting future,” Brown concluded. “His current standing in boxing is also uncertain, but he likely received a higher payout than any other MMA fighter in history, possibly excepting Conor McGregor.”
