Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, made a bold decision to leave the organization in early 2023 after a year of unsuccessful negotiations.
Ngannou’s signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) caused quite a stir, especially with his foray into boxing, where he faced former world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Despite losing both bouts, he earned millions of dollars.
Commenting on Ngannou’s decision, former UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov voiced his support, saying: “I would have preferred he stayed in the UFC, but if he can earn 50 or 60 million dollars in boxing, then he should do it.
Ngannou came from extreme poverty in Africa, so when the opportunity to make money comes, you have to take it.”
Ngannou is now set to fight his first bout in the PFL on October 19, where he will face the 2023 heavyweight champion, Renan Ferreira, in the promotion’s new Super Fights series, set to debut on pay-per-view.
