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This is what we call a masterstroke. Just months after leaving the UFC where he was world heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has found a base and not just any base.
In fact, the Cameroonian fighter announced on his YouTube channel that he had signed a record contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
It is clear to all of us that the monster Francis Nango is the one who came up with the idea of developing the sport of mixed martial arts on the African continent (and not the idea of the Saudis, because we know as followers of this sport and the problems that the Cameroonian monster was exposed to with the director of the UFC, Dana White. Francis Nango broke his silence and opened fire.
On Dana White after his expulsion from the UFC
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) seized the opportunity and entrusted Francis Nanjo with the keys to the truck by appointing him as the head of the organization in Africa called “PFL Africa”, one of the three branches of the PFL. Francis Ngannou would be best served on the company’s board of directors to represent the interests of the fighters with the potential to take on boxing bouts.
Francis Ngannou entered into many disputes with the head of the UFC, Dana White.
The UFC heavyweight champion was unhappy due to several things, including the frequency of his fight booking, the status of his contract, and the way the UFC was negotiating with him.
Based on Wyatt’s recent comments, things haven’t gotten better between them yet.
“White told ESPN. “When you are a fighter, you have to be careful in choosing the person who represents you as your business manager.” I don’t think he got the best acting.
Dana White and Ngan’u’s manager have had heated arguments publicly in the past.
White also said that he “wouldn’t mind” if Ngannou didn’t want to be with the UFC anymore.
White’s words here contradict the organization’s actions, and it doesn’t sound like it would be “good” if Ngannou actually left.
Ngannou’s contract was reportedly supposed to expire last May, but despite not signing a new contract, the organization extended the contract using controversial clauses in his original contract.
Ngannou won the UFC heavyweight title in March of 2021. Only about three months after that, the organization decided to book a fight for the interim heavyweight title, which is held by Ngannou’s former colleague and current rival, “Cerreal Gunn.”
Through the Professional Fighters League (PFL Africa), African fighters will be given the opportunity to compete on the global mixed martial arts platform. It will also be an opportunity for Francis Ngannou to create infrastructure, bring the best coaches to Africa and discover the best nuggets of the continent. Knowing that Africa has always provided great fighters like Israel Adesanya (Nigeria), Kamaru Usman (Nigeria) and Francis Ngannou (Cameroon), it won’t be long before we see other great MMA champions emerge through “PFL Africa.”
And the UFC is, at the moment, one of the best organizations in mixed martial arts. Bellator is a close competitor, as is ONE. However, the MMA landscape may be different in a few years, with the PFL expanding globally on the backs of big names – Jake Paul, Francis Ngannou, Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano, among others – and a unique season. Long format.
At the end of August, PFL announced a new partnership with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, resulting in an influx of cash, and with it increased exposure in a highly competitive market. PIF has previously invested in golf with LIV, Newcastle United, Formula 1 and the Saudi Professional League.
What exactly is the Professional Fighters League’s relationship with the Saudi Public Investment Fund? More importantly, what does this mean for the sport moving forward? Here’s what we know so far.
What is SRJ Sports Investments?
The company name you’re likely to hear a lot is SRJ Sports Investments. SRJ Sports Investments was launched in early August 2023 through the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The multi-billion dollar organization’s goal is to accelerate growth in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East and North Africa region as Front Office Sport.
In late August, SRJ Sports Investments acquired a minority stake in the PFL for $100 million according to reports by Sportico and the Financial Times. According to a report from ESPN, the deal “could be worth much more.”
“The PFL’s mission is to become the global co-leader in MMA through our premier fighter mission and disruptive season format,” PFL Founder and President Don Davis said in a statement. “This investment by SRJ continues the explosive growth Premier League has seen across the world, and there is no better partner in global sport than SRJ.”
Expanded PFL and international leagues
PIF’s entry into the Professional Footballers’ Association comes at a time when the organization is looking to expand aggressively.
As an investor, part of the deal includes launching PFL Middle East and North Africa in 2024. Including expansion, PFL and SRJ have reached an agreement where Saudi Arabia will host fights within PPV’s PFL Super Fights division.
The Professional Football League is already expanding its influence outside the US, having produced its own tournament format since 2018, with the winners of the various divisions taking home $1 million in prize money. It has already launched PFL Europe, and after signing with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou, plans are afoot for PFL Africa.
To be launched from Sports Pro Media, SRJ Sports Investments will focus on acquiring and creating new intellectual property rights for sporting events (IP), commercial rights for sports competitions and hosting of major global events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
