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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)

Universal Studios Florida Hosts First Round of PFL World Tournament in April

The PFL has revealed the first four dates for its 2025 World Tournament, which will take place at Universal…

The PFL has revealed the first four dates for its 2025 World Tournament, which will take place at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. The events are scheduled for April 3, April 11, April 18, and May 1, offering fans an opportunity to experience live MMA action on the backlot of the theme park.

PFL in 2025

The PFL World Tournament is a single-elimination competition featuring eight weight classes: Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, Featherweight, Bantamweight, and Women’s Flyweight.

Sixty-four fighters from around the world will compete over five months to claim the title of PFL Tournament Champion. The format requires fighters to win three consecutive bouts to secure victory, with total prize money exceeding $20 million, including a $500,000 bonus for each champion.

The first round and semi-final matches will consist of three five-minute rounds, while the finals will feature five five-minute rounds. Notably, fighters are now permitted to use elbows during matches.

The main cards for the first four events will air as follows:

April 3: Live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET
April 11: Live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 11:30 p.m. ET
April 18: Live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET
May 1: Live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET

The tournament will be broadcast live in the U.S. on ESPN platforms and streamed globally in 190 countries via 20 media partners. Canadian and European audiences can watch the action on DAZN.

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Additional tournament dates and the full roster of competitors will be announced soon. Tickets for these events will be available starting Wednesday, February 19.

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Stipe Miocic Boldy Names Francis Ngannou “Baddest Man on the Planet” Snubbing Jon Jones

Stipe Miocic recently weighed in on the debate about who holds the title of “Baddest Man on the Planet”…

Stipe Miocic recently weighed in on the debate about who holds the title of “Baddest Man on the Planet” between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Miocic is a former UFC heavyweight champion who acknowledged the unique strengths of both fighters but ultimately named Ngannou as the current “Baddest Man on the Planet.”

Stipe Miocic Names Francis Ngannou Over Jon Jones

Stipe Miocic’s comments come amidst ongoing fan debates about the legacies of Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Jones, who recently defended his UFC heavyweight title with dominant performances, has been celebrated for his longevity in MMA. Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou, who now competing in the PFL after vacating the UFC heavyweight title, remains a feared figure due to his knockout power and high-profile boxing matches.

Miocic praised Francis Ngannou for his devastating power and continuous improvement, describing him as a fighter who always comes prepared with a game plan. However, he also highlighted Jon Jones’ exceptional skills, calling him “one of the best of all time, if not the best,” and noting Jones’ intelligence. Miocic speculated that a fight between the two would be a tough matchup, with Jon Jones needing to maintain distance and utilize his grappling to succeed. On the other hand, he noted that if Ngannou landed cleanly, it could be decisive.

Francis Ngannou PFL — Photo by Tim Wheaton

Speaking to The Schmo, Stipe Miocic explained:

“Francis has great power and is getting better every fight but Jones is one of the best of all time, if not the best, he’s smart real tricky. With Francis, he always comes with a gameplan but he has thunder in his fists. It’s a tough fight, if Jon keeps the distance I think he will do well to get him down the ground but if Francis connects…all over.“

Ultimately, who is the baddest man on the planet? He answered:

“Francis Ngannou.”

Jon Jones’ legendary run in the UFC Light Heavyweight division began in 2011 when he became the youngest champion in UFC history at age 23 by defeating the legendary Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. Over his two title reigns, Jones amassed a record-breaking number of title defenses, wins, and longest win streak in the division, solidifying himself as one of MMA’s all-time greats. Despite controversies and suspensions, he returned to reclaim his dominance multiple times. In 2023 after a three-year hiatus, Jones transitioned to heavyweight and captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

Francis Ngannou rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most feared heavyweights in MMA. After joining the UFC in 2015, Ngannou quickly climbed the ranks with devastating knockouts before claiming the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2021 by defeating Stipe Miocic via second-round KO. He successfully defended his title against Ciryl Gane before departing the UFC for the PFL in 2023. Ngannou also ventured into boxing, facing Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated bout where he lost via controversial split decision but impressed fans by knocking Fury down.

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As Stipe Miocic’s recent comments highlight, both fighters bring unique strengths to the table, leaving fans divided on who truly reigns supreme in the heavyweight landscape. The debate over who holds the title of “Baddest Man on the Planet” continues to split the MMA world.

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira — Photo by Tim Wheaton

What did Khabib Nurmagomedov Tell Usman In-Between Rounds? The Champ Reveals “Show to Me Your Heart”

What exactly did Khabib Nurmagomedov tell his cousin during Saturday’s PFL Road to Dubai headliner? Reigning Bellator lightweight titleholder…

What exactly did Khabib Nurmagomedov tell his cousin during Saturday’s PFL Road to Dubai headliner?

Reigning Bellator lightweight titleholder Usman Nurmagomedov faced his toughest test to date, going five hard rounds with Irish sensation Paul Hughes in the first PFL event of 2025. After 25 minutes of intense back-and-forth action, Nurmagomedov overcame the adversity and emerged victorious, keeping both his title and his undefeated record intact.

Following the fight, Usman offered some insight into the words that Khabib told him as the fight seemingly started to slip away.

“Yes, he said, ‘You show to me your heart. I like, I like this. This is what you need.’ And I said, ‘It’s not for what I need. I was focused on finishing.’ He said, ‘No, no, no. This is experience. This is what you need.’ I agree with that,” Usman Nurmagomedov said during a post-fight interview.

Usman Nurmagomedov ultimately left with a majority decision victory after one judge ruled the bout as a draw. The somewhat controversial decision moved the 26-year-old Dagestani star to 19-0 in his professional mixed martial arts career.

Usman Nurmagomedov says no to immediate rematch with Paul Hughes

Given the close nature of the contest, some fight fans quickly began clamoring for an immediate rematch between the two. However, the Dagestani has little interest in that, suggesting the Irishman needs to go out and get a few more wins before earning another opportunity at the gold.

“No, he have to earn with a couple two, three, four fights in [PFL],” Nurmagomedov said in a backstage interview after the event. “He had only two fights and they gave him title shot. But Paul Hughes, this is all my respect to this guy. I think if he even go to the tournament for $1 million, he 100 percent [has a] chance to take this belt. Then, we can talk rematches.”

Dakota Ditcheva Embraces the Barbie Persona ‘I Don’t Look Like a Fighter’ She Tells Michael Venom Page

Dakota Ditcheva is no stranger to being in the spotlight, but one thing she’s come to embrace in her…

Dakota Ditcheva is no stranger to being in the spotlight, but one thing she’s come to embrace in her rise in the MMA world is being called “Barbie.” While some might consider it an insult, the undefeated British fighter has turned the moniker into a source of empowerment, using it to fuel her victory in the 2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament.

Dakota Ditcheva on Barbie

In the lead-up to her showdown with former UFC contender Taila Santos, Dakota Ditcheva was no stranger to the “Barbie” comparisons. After winning her European belt, Santos commented on Ditcheva’s post, saying, “I want Barbie’s belt,” a remark that stuck and added fuel to the fire of their rivalry. But for Ditcheva, the nickname didn’t bother her at all. Instead, she embraced it.

“I’m blonde, don’t look like a fighter, but it turned into hate from my last opponent, Taila Santos,” Ditcheva shared speaking with Bellator and UFC athlete Michael ‘Venom’ Page. “Yes, that’s when it started. After I won my European belt, she commented under the post saying, ‘I want Barbie’s belt.’”

Rather than viewing the comment as a slight, Ditcheva saw it as an opportunity to showcase the different facets of her personality, both as a fighter and as someone who embraces her appearance. “Obviously, she’d just come out of the UFC. Yeah, she was coming over to PFL and was like, ‘Okay.’ And then that’s what she’s just run with the whole time now since she’s been with PFL.”

The playful jab did little to derail Dakota Ditcheva’s focus on her ultimate goal. When the two met in the PFL Flyweight Tournament final in November 2024, Ditcheva delivered a dominant performance, stopping Santos in the second round with a flurry of body shots, capturing both the PFL world title and a $1 million prize.

Despite Santos’ experience in the UFC, Dakota Ditcheva’s sharp striking skills and relentless pace made quick work of her opponent. It was a historic win for Ditcheva. Yet even after such a monumental victory, it was the “Barbie” nickname that had Ditcheva grinning. “I think loads of people have enjoyed running with the whole Barbie thing now,” she said, reflecting on how the nickname has grown on her. “Especially my friend—she did me a surprise party and made like a big Barbie box.”

She’s embraced the nickname, turned it into a fun part of her persona, and is proving that her skills are more than just looks. “Calling me Barbie is not an insult,” she said, “It’s just part of who I am.”