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Francis Ngannou’s Fight for Freedom: Why the UFC’s Biggest Star Walked Away

Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, made headlines with his departure from the UFC in January 2023, citing…

Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, made headlines with his departure from the UFC in January 2023, citing a desire for freedom and principles over financial gain. Ngannou’s decision to leave the organization came after a year-long negotiation process that failed to address his requests.

Francis Ngannou Leaving the UFC

Cameroon’s Francis Ngannou was trying to use his influence as UFC heavyweight champion to negotiate for health insurance and the ability to pursue sponsorship deals for all fighters. Speaking about his departure, Ngannou remarked, “It doesn’t matter how much [money] is in that contract, I am not free. I have no power”

Francis Ngannou has publicly stated that he lost over $1 million due to the UFC’s sponsorship restrictions. Specifically, the UFC’s exclusive deal with Crypto.com prevented Ngannou from securing a lucrative sponsorship offer from a competing cryptocurrency platform, reportedly Coinbase. Ngannou expressed frustration over the UFC’s policies, which barred fighters from pursuing their own sponsorship deals for in-octagon appearances. He criticized the organization for exploiting sponsorship opportunities for its own benefit while limiting fighters’ ability to earn independently.

After leaving the UFC, Ngannou signed with the PFL in May 2023. The deal includes not only competition but also roles as chairman of PFL Africa and a member of its global advisory board. He gets paid tens of millions per fight and also guarantees at least a two-million payday for his opponent. With the PFL, Francis Ngannou is also free to box and he has competed in two blockbuster boxing matches against heavyweight royalty.

Francis Ngannou PFL 1 1 — Photo by Tim Wheaton

“I was always fighting for the freedom and the opportunity to not have something in my way… It’s my right. And I claim that.” Ngannou explained on self-determination.

From working in a sand quarry as a child in Cameroon to being homeless on the streets of Paris, he rose to become one of the most feared fighters in mixed martial arts. Reflecting on his struggles, he said, “I was doing a lot of push-ups and a lot of abs. And running from the cops. That was keeping you fit. Running from the cops can keep you fit more than ever”

Now, with the PFL, Francis Ngannou defeated the towering Brazilian Renan Ferreira by way of knockout to earn the heavyweight title. By walking away from the UFC at the height of his career, stood up for his principles and also set a precedent for fighter autonomy in combat sports.

Idris Elba or Jonathan Majors? Francis Ngannou Teases Casting for His Biopic

The former UFC heavyweight champion and rising star in Hollywood, Francis Ngannou, recently shared insights about a potential movie…

The former UFC heavyweight champion and rising star in Hollywood, Francis Ngannou, recently shared insights about a potential movie project based on his life. From walking across Africa to revitalizing the PFL and competing in blockbuster boxing matches; his life is a fantastic story.

Francis Ngannou Movie?

In an interview, Francis Ngannou revealed that he has received a promising offer from a production company to bring his story to the big screen. However, he believes the timing isn’t right yet. “I think the story is not done yet. I think we are maybe in the last chapter, but it’s not done,” Ngannou remarked, emphasizing his desire to wait until his journey is complete before moving forward with the film. Perhaps a future PFL MMA fight or another match in boxing.

Idris Elba or Jonathan Majors

When asked about casting for the lead role, Ngannou mentioned Idris Elba as his long-time pick but noted that fellow fighter Israel Adesanya suggested Jonathan Majors, known for his role in Creed III, as another strong candidate. “I used to always say Idris Elba [would play me] but Adesanya said to me the guy in Creed, Jonathan Majors,” He said. However, Majors’ recent career has been overshadowed by legal troubles, including a conviction for assault in 2023. Meanwhile, Idris Elba competed in kickboxing in the past.

After his parents divorced when he was six, Francis Ngannou lived a transient life, often moving between relatives. At just 10 years old, he began working in a sand quarry to support himself, earning less than $2 per day. Despite these hardships, Ngannou resisted pressure to join gangs and instead drew inspiration from his father’s reputation as a street fighter to pursue a positive path.

Francis Ngannou PFL 1 — Photo by Tim Wheaton

Fascinated by boxing and inspired by legends like Mike Tyson, Francis Ngannou began training at 22 but had to pause due to illness and financial struggles. At 26, Ngannou left Cameroon for Paris to chase his dream of becoming a professional boxer. Homeless upon arrival, he eventually found support at a local gym where he was introduced to MMA. With the help of his coaches, Ngannou began his journey toward becoming one of the most formidable fighters in UFC history, competing in heavyweight boxing, and capturing the PFL MMA heavyweight title.

With this potential biopic in early talks, audiences eagerly await more updates on what promises to be an interesting cinematic project. Ngannou has risen to global prominence as a UFC champion, professional boxer, and now a budding Hollywood star with roles in the Fast and Furious franchise and Rebel Moon.

Francis Ngannou 1 — 2024 PFL Superfights PPV: Battle of the Giants at the Mayadeen Theater in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Jose Peñuela / 2024PFLPPV)

From Jedi to Cage Fighter – Daisy Ridley on MMA’s Intensity: “I Struggled to Watch”

Daisy Ridley studied mixed martial arts fights for her role in the upcoming British action flick Cleaner. Best known…

Daisy Ridley studied mixed martial arts fights for her role in the upcoming British action flick Cleaner.

Best known for her role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Ridley will return to her action roots in 2025 as Joey, a skyscraper window cleaner who battles terrorists who have taken over an office building in London. Of course, Ridley’s character is not any ordinary window cleaner. She’s also an ex-soldier with a particular set of skills that make her a nightmare for people like the film’s main villain, played by the always-intense Clive Owen.

To prepare for the role, Ridley tried to take in as many MMA fights as possible but found herself struggling with the sheer brutality of it all.

“I tried to watch MMA fights,” Ridley, 29, said in a recent interview with UPI. “Honestly, they’re so violent I struggled to watch that many of them.”

In the end, Ridley got enough knowledge from watching MMA to know exactly how she wanted to play Joey.

“That level of aggression and that level of being very in your body, that was really the thing that was driving me physically for her,” Ridley said. “One of the fights particularly is in a really contained area. So trying to figure out how to realistically battle someone while quite restricted physically was a challenge.”

daisy ridley as a window washer falling with a gun in the 2025 movie cleaner

Daisy Ridley will return to the star wars universe and kickstart a new jedi order

It’s certainly not the first time Ridley has had to get physical for a film role. Of course, she appeared as (spoiler alert) Rey Skywalker throughout Disney’s Star Wars trilogy, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.

She’ll return to the role in the recently announced Star Wars: New Jedi Order which is expected to come out around Christmastime in either 2026 or 2027, though no official release date has been announced.

daisy ridley will reprise her role as rey skywalker in new star wars movie 1

Since her time battling Kylo Ren and the First Order, Ridley has taken on other physical roles, including her performance as English Channel swimmer Trudy Ederle in last year’s Young Woman and the Sea.

“Of course, there’s always physicality that lends itself to the role,” Ridley said. “But the films that I get to do the physical stuff on screen are always great and always a challenge, but I’m also particularly tired when I finish those ones.”

Cleaner hits movie theaters on Friday, February 21. Check out the official trailer below:

From Jedi to Cage Fighter – Daisy Ridley on MMA’s Intensity: “I Struggled to Watch”

Daisy Ridley studied mixed martial arts fights for her role in the upcoming British action flick Cleaner. Best known…

Daisy Ridley studied mixed martial arts fights for her role in the upcoming British action flick Cleaner.

To prepare for the role, Ridley tried to take in as many MMA fights as possible but found herself struggling with the sheer brutality of it all.

“I tried to watch MMA fights,” Ridley, 29, said in a recent interview with UPI. “Honestly, they’re so violent I struggled to watch that many of them.”

In the end, Ridley got enough knowledge from watching MMA to know exactly how she wanted to play Joey.

“That level of aggression and that level of being very in your body, that was really the thing that was driving me physically for her,” Ridley said. “One of the fights particularly is in a really contained area. So trying to figure out how to realistically battle someone while quite restricted physically was a challenge.”

Daisy Ridley will return to the star wars universe and kickstart a new jedi order

“Of course, there’s always physicality that lends itself to the role,” Ridley said. “But the films that I get to do the physical stuff on screen are always great and always a challenge, but I’m also particularly tired when I finish those ones.”

Cleaner hits movie theaters on Friday, February 21. Check out the official trailer below:

Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong – Odds and Match Preview

Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong will headline UFC Fight Night on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Climate Pledge…

Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong will headline UFC Fight Night on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. This bantamweight clash features two fighters at pivotal points in their careers, with high stakes for both competitors.

Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong – Odds

The betting odds for the UFC Seattle main event, including offshore betting numbers, between Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong, heavily favor the younger fighter, Song Yadong. Song is listed as a -275 favorite, while Cejudo is a +225 underdog, indicating that bookmakers see Yadong as having about a 70% implied probability of winning, compared to Cejudo’s 30%.

The odds have remained relatively stable leading up to fight week, with no significant changes recorded so far. The public and oddsmakers appear to be factoring in Cejudo’s age (38) and recent losses, as well as Yadong’s youth (27) and striking ability.

Analysts and predictions suggest that Cejudo’s best path to victory lies in his wrestling. If he can secure consistent takedowns and control the fight on the ground, he could win by unanimous decision or potentially achieve a late TKO via ground-and-pound.

Yadong is expected to push for a knockout or a dominant decision. He has expressed confidence in his ability to handle Cejudo’s wrestling and aims to pressure the former champion early in the fight. This fight pits Cejudo’s Olympic-caliber wrestling against Song’s explosive striking. Cejudo’s experience and tactical approach will be tested against Song’s youth and aggression.

A former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist, Cejudo is known for his elite wrestling and striking versatility. However, the 38-year-old is on a two-fight losing streak, having fallen to Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili since returning from a brief retirement. A win here is crucial for Cejudo to remain relevant in the bantamweight title picture and prove he still belongs among the division’s elite.

Song Yadong, a 27-year-old rising star from China, is a dynamic striker with notable wins over fighters like Marlon Moraes and Ricky Simón. However, he is also coming off a loss to former champion Petr Yan in March 2024. Song aims to rebound by defeating a legend like Cejudo.

Both fighters are under pressure: Cejudo seeks to avoid a third consecutive loss that could jeopardize his legacy, while Song looks to break through the upper echelon of the division after periods of inactivity. This main event marks the UFC’s return to Seattle after 12 years, adding historical significance to an already compelling matchup.

UFC Legend Georges St-Pierre Provokes a Night of Fights at Hockey’s 4 Nations Face-Off

UFC legend Georges St-Pierre made a memorable appearance at the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, held at the Bell Centre…

UFC legend Georges St-Pierre made a memorable appearance at the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, where he introduced Team Canada ahead of their game against Team USA. The event marked the first edition of this international hockey tournament, featuring players from Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden. The tournament replaces the NHL’s traditional All-Star Game and serves as a showcase of top talent ahead of the league’s return to Olympic competition next year.

Georges St-Pierre at the 4 Nations Face-Off

Georges St-Pierre’s introduction set the stage for an electrifying match between Canada and the United States. The game began with an explosive start, as three fights broke out within the first nine seconds of play.

Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel clashed immediately after the opening faceoff, followed by Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett dropping gloves on the subsequent faceoff. Moments later, J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko engaged in another fight, thrilling the crowd at the Bell Centre.

Despite Canada’s early energy and an opening goal by Connor McDavid, Team USA secured a 3-1 victory. Jake Guentzel scored twice for the Americans, including an empty-net goal, while Dylan Larkin netted the game-winner after capitalizing on a turnover by Sidney Crosby. The win guaranteed Team USA a spot in Thursday’s final in Boston, while Canada must defeat Finland in regulation on Monday to secure their place in the championship game.

UFC Hall of Famer and one of Canada’s most celebrated athletes, the Montreal crowd roared for Georges St-Pierre as he is a paragon of the Bell Center. ‘Rush’ St-Pierre recaptured his welterweight throne at UFC 83 in the building and later defended his crown at UFC 154. Overall in his career he defended his title in nine bouts and would go up in weight to capture middleweight gold. For his achievements in MMA, the Canadian athlete is largely considered the greatest of all time.

The 4 Nations Face-Off continues to deliver high-intensity hockey and passionate rivalries, with Montreal providing a fitting backdrop for this unique event.

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