Previously, Francis Ngannou chose to part ways with the UFC. After failing to come to an agreement over his very lucrative contract, Ngannou decided to pursue his boxing endeavors instead. However, Ngannou’s decision has not paid off in any way, bringing forth doubts and questions.
Previously, a number of former UFC champions weighed in on the situation. Whilst at the time many praised Ngannou for standing his ground against the UFC, in hindsight, it might not have been the best choice. Notably, Ngannou has been linked with a move to various promotions like PFL, BKFC, Bellator, and more, but to no avail.
Recently, at the BKFC 41 press conference in Las Vegas, Ben Rothwell was asked if he’d be open to fighting Francis. Taking over from him, President David Feldman gave an update on the matter. “Francis Ngannou, he’s somebody we’ve certainly reached out to,” Feldman said. “We’ve reached out to him, we’ve reached out to his team, and we just feel like he’s asking for unrealistic money, and we’re not willing to pay that kind of money for him.”
Interestingly, Feldman also added that Ngannou should make a decision rather quickly. Having last fought in January of last year, The Predator has seen some considerable time off. As such, he must return to action soon or risk his value dropping. However, with the big money that Ngannou is expecting, a potential deal with the BKFC is likely off the books.
Fans believe Francis Ngannou has made a huge mistake
Soon enough, fans were on the matter like bees to honey. Talking about the former heavyweight champion’s decision-making, fans are certain Ngannou made the wrong call. As such, let’s take a look at some of the reactions to the news.
For the most part, fans believe that Francis made a mistake leaving the UFC, the organization willing to make him the highest-paid heavyweight in company history. As such, Ngannou’s belief in himself as a bigger draw than he really is will likely be his downfall. With the BKFC closing its doors to Ngannou, it is only a matter of time before the former UFC champ is forced to accept lesser pay somewhere else.
No company is going to match the money UFC was going to give him. He was about to be the highest paid fighter on the roster, he's gonna regret leaving them.
— DropZone (@DropZone211) April 4, 2023
The fact that he didn’t have anything lined up when he was negotiating with the ufc kind of sums up how well he went about this
— Jake (@jray4151) April 4, 2023
Francis got it in his head that he was this huge draw. His ppv buys showed otherwise. He thought he actually carried any leverage. His yes men probably told him he could make Conor $$. Dana will be receiving a call from him soon.
— Bob (@Bob05209277) April 4, 2023
His stock is falling by the day. Should've taken the Jones fight and make millions.
— Ali (@Ali37821957) April 4, 2023
I think Francis should have planned this a bit better. However, he will get a big boxing fight then I anticipate he will return to the ufc to fight Jon Jones. Its a fight that everyone is anticipating and would want to see. The story would be great
— Etin (@etingiwa) April 4, 2023
Ngannou had no intentions of ever fighting at BKFC. He is pretending like he genuinely had a real chance of securing Ngannou.
— munchnews (@MUNCHmma) April 5, 2023
Thought it wasn’t about the money for Francis? I’m completely shocked to learn it is about the money 😑
— Kauf20 (@Kauf1007) April 5, 2023
Conor and Aldo was right.
— Rizze (@Rizal27hamsik) April 4, 2023
He failed to realize his bargaining power was connected to him be the ufc heavyweight champ, and he gave up that leverage
— UFC Photographer (@ufcphotographer) April 5, 2023
He thought he could leave the fighting promotion that makes and pays the most money to their athletes, and get the most money he deserves? What a career mistake if he has a manager/agent that guy should be long gone. He wanted unrealistic money that he will never get close to now
— Drew (@nosox27) April 4, 2023
Previously, Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo also weighed in on Ngannou’s free agency situation. According to Conor, Ngannou made an error in leaving the UFC as he would be giving up the opportunity to train cost-free at the UFC PI and make a lot of money at the same time. Similarly, Jose Aldo believes that Francis fails to realize that only the top boxers make the big money that he is dreaming of. Thus, the decision to defy Dana White could come back to haunt Ngannou.
As for his boxing endeavors, a lot was teased about Ngannou’s first boxing match. However, none of his plans with Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, or Derek Chisora have seen any real progress. Thus, it begs the question, did Ngannou truly think this through? Will he be able to get anything close to his valuations? Is he ultimately going to return to the UFC? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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