The Controversial Departure of Francis Ngannou from the UFC: Uncovering the Reasons Behind His Exit

By Ali Hammad November 23, 2023 04:51

In a surprising turn of events, Francis Ngannou, a prominent MMA fighter, has parted ways with the UFC and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The decision to leave the UFC was not an easy one for Ngannou, as he had established himself as one of the most formidable heavyweights in the organization. This article aims to delve into the reasons behind Ngannou's departure and shed light on the controversies surrounding his exit.

Disagreements Over Health Insurance and Sponsorship Deals: Ngannou's departure from the UFC can be attributed to disagreements over two critical aspects: health insurance for fighters and sponsorship deals. The UFC has long been criticized for its handling of fighter health insurance, and Ngannou's concerns in this regard were not addressed satisfactorily. Additionally, sponsorship deals play a significant role in a fighter's income, and Ngannou's dissatisfaction with the UFC's approach to this matter likely fueled his decision to leave.
The Pursuit of Boxing: Ngannou's desire to pursue a career in boxing also played a pivotal role in his departure from the UFC. Having reached the pinnacle of MMA and becoming the UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou expressed his interest in testing his skills in the boxing ring. He has mentioned potential matchups with boxing stars like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, indicating his eagerness to explore new avenues and expand his horizons.
Financial Considerations: Although the UFC offered Ngannou a deal to make him the highest-paid heavyweight of all time, he turned it down. This decision suggests that financial considerations played a role in Ngannou's departure. In the UFC, fighters receive a lower guaranteed purse and a smaller share of the pay-per-view profits compared to boxing. Ngannou's departure from the UFC could be seen as a strategic move to maximize his earning potential in the world of combat sports.
Inactivity and Treatment: Another key factor contributing to Ngannou's exit from the UFC is his frustration with the level of inactivity forced upon him by the organization. Ngannou has been vocal about his displeasure with the UFC's matchmaking, claiming that the organization was unwilling to give him fights because he refused to sign a new multi-fight deal. This perceived lack of opportunities likely fueled Ngannou's decision to explore other options.

Francis Ngannou's departure from the UFC has sent shockwaves through the MMA community. The reasons behind his exit can be traced back to disagreements over health insurance and sponsorship deals, his pursuit of a career in boxing, financial considerations, and frustration with inactivity and treatment. Ngannou's move to the PFL signifies his determination to forge a new path in his combat sports journey. As he prepares for his debut in 2024 and assumes the role of chairman of the PFL Africa League, the spotlight will inevitably be on Ngannou as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. The MMA world eagerly awaits his next move and the impact he will make in the PFL arena.