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Francis Ngannou tipped for potential PFL debut against Bellator champion Ryan Bader: ‘That could be interesting’

Off the back of his monumental signing with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) earlier this month, former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been tipped to potentially face a host of heavyweight talents and champions the world over – by former UFC welterweight title challenger, Dan Hardy. Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under […]

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, departed the promotion back in January of this year following the completion of his contractual obligations with the organization last December, electing against signing a new contract with the Dana White-led promotion.

Francis Ngannou departed the UFC in less than ceremonious circumstances

Expected to make his return to active competition in mixed martial arts next year with the PFL, Batié native, Francis Ngannou is expected to pursue a professional boxing debut later this year before a return to mixed martial arts competition.

Yet to book a debut opponent, Francis Ngannou has been touted as potential opponents for ONE Championship heavyweights, the current Bellator heavyweight titleholder, as well as talents under the scrutiny of the PFL.

“I’m excited at the possibilities,” Dan Hardy told The Sportsman during a recent interview. “I think there are a few options. There are other heavyweights out there in other promotions. Over in ONE Championship, we’ve got Arjan Bhullar, and Anatoly Malykhin, who would be great fights. Ryan Bader over in Bellator I think could be an interesting one. Someone else that’s very athletic and brings speed and wrestling ability to the division.”

“But, Ante Delija feels like a very good pick as well,” Hardy continued. “We’ve got some good heavyweights; [Bruno] Cappelozza. There are good heavyweights on the PFL roster right now that I feel, with maybe another two or three fights, they’ll be in a position to step forward.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

Last featuring professionally back in January of last year atop a UFC 270 card in Anaheim, California – Ngannou successfully unified the heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision victory against former interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane.

Ex-UFC fighter turned BKFC brawler ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell calls for fight with Francis Ngannou

Former UFC fighter turned BKFC brawler ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell has officially purchased his ticket for the Francis Ngannou lottery. Ngannou has been dominating headlines ever since he announced his signing with the Professional Fighters League last week. While he’s not expected to make his Smart Cage debut until 2024, fans are busy speculating on who […]

Former UFC fighter turned BKFC brawler ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell has officially purchased his ticket for the Francis Ngannou lottery.

Ngannou has been dominating headlines ever since he announced his signing with the Professional Fighters League last week. While he’s not expected to make his Smart Cage debut until 2024, fans are busy speculating on who his first post-UFC test will be while fighters from around the world are throwing their name into the hat of potential opponents. Especially upon learning that whoever goes toe-to-toe with the former UFC heavyweight champion will bank a guaranteed seven figures.

Enter Ben Rothwell, a former UFC heavyweight standout that has found a new lease on life inside the squared circle. After more than a decade with the Las Vegas-based promotion, Rothwell traded in his 4-ounce gloves for a pair of hand wraps, signing with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. After earning back-to-back knockouts, Rothwell is tipped for a heavyweight title opportunity, but if the Kenosha, Wisconsin native gets his way, he’ll cash in on a potential clash with the PFL’s latest acquisition.

“Ok @francis_ngannou is officially the #1 HW to call out. I’m your huckleberry,” Rothwell tweeted. “Congratulations on the signing.”

Ben Rothwell made to sure highlight the details of Ngannou’s contract, noting the massive guaranteed figure.

Appearing on The MMA Hour, Francis Ngannou detailed his groundbreaking contract with the promotion, revealing that the opportunity to take care of other fighters was just as important as taking care of himself. Aside from guaranteeing his opponents a massive payday, Ngannou will also be part of the promotion’s Fighter Advisory Board which will serve as an advocacy group for fighters. ‘The Predator’ will also head up the PFL’s latest expansion, PFL Africa, serving as the chairman.

As a mixed martial artist, Ben Rothwell went 37-14 over the course of his two-decade run. At his peak, Rothwell scored four-straight wins inside the Octagon, picking off Brandon Vera, Alistair Overeem, Matt Mitrione, and Josh Barnett in succession. He also earned victories over Stefan Struve and Ovince St. Preux.

Jake Paul claims Nate Diaz turned down MMA fight against him: ‘He has refused it’

According to Jake Paul himself, Stocktons own Nate Diaz has turned down an MMA fight against him. This comes as surprising news, but as of yet there has been no actual proof provided by Paul that Diaz in fact got an offer for an MMA fight and turned it down. The Youtube sensation is set […]

The Youtube sensation is set to face down the famed MMA fighter Nate Diaz in a boxing match in August. Paul has been active in the boxing world since making his debut in 2018. Once a full-time Youtuber, the man has now launched a career in the combat sports world as well.

Have offered that to Nate in writing. He has refused it.

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) May 18, 2023

According to Paul, he was open to fighting Diaz in the cage but for some reason, the long-time MMA veteran declined the offer. Whether the money wasn’t up to par, or whatever reason, Paul did not disclose the reason why. Nor has Nate Diaz brought this up to confirm or deny it.

Over the years, Paul has faced many big names in the sport. He finished Ben Askren before going to a split decision against Tyron Woodley. In the rematch with Woodley, Jake Paul knocked him out viciously. Next, a battle with the legend Anderson Silva resulted in a decision victory for Paul. However, the Youtuber’s unbeaten streak would end when he faced Tommy Fury in February of this year.

Jake Paul and Nate Diaz set to clash in August

As for Nate Diaz, one can assume he’s been training hard for his upcoming boxing fight. The thing about both of the Diaz brothers is that while they don’t look the most physically menacing, and come off as very lackadaisical, the two men have been known to always stay in shape. In fact, it’s been said the two have marathon-level endurance, and this has been backed up by their performances in the cage.

One can imagine that if Nate Diaz can simply wear on Jake Paul and tire him out, he could easily overwhelm the man with his excellent offensive output. However, ‘The Problem Child’ is known to be a powerful striker and with the scar tissue covering Diaz’s face, this fight could be in danger of getting stopped due to a cut.

However, the same can be said for every Nate Diaz fight, so whether that’s just a paranoid observation or a valid concern remains to be seen. Regardless, while the press conference for the fight was very lackluster, fans are looking forward to this match and hoping for a very memorable fight.

Who do you think wins between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz?

Francis Ngannou scoffs at Dana White after rant following UFC Vegas 73: ‘What’s your problem with me?’

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou took to Twitter today with some harsh words for Dana White. White has been very public about his views on former star Ngannou. This started when Ngannou first left the company as a free agent. The UFC president took to the media and claimed ‘The Predator’ was “impossible” to […]

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou took to Twitter today with some harsh words for Dana White.

White has been very public about his views on former star Ngannou. This started when Ngannou first left the company as a free agent. The UFC president took to the media and claimed ‘The Predator’ was “impossible” to work with. That his stipulations for the contract were ludicrous, and that Ngannou was essentially just foolish and ruining his career.

Now, the PFL and Ngannou have recently announced successful negotiations that will not only secure Francis Ngannou the money he feels he deserves, but also make him the CEO of PFL Africa. This will be a venture ‘The Predator’ will lead in an attempt to give more Africans a chance to attain MMA superstardom such as he did. Not only that but it is rumored that all of Ngannou’s opponents will now make an astonishing $2 million of guaranteed money.

The UFC president completely ridiculed this deal and essentially made it out as the PFL had just signed their own death certificate and will now be burning money instead of making any.

“Based on what I know about the deal, which is not much, it makes no sense to me,” Dana White told the media in Las Vegas (H/T MMA Fighting). “You’re going to pay a guy not to fight for a year, and it’s already been like (14) months. He’s fought three times in the last three years.”

White went on to criticize the deal even further, before speaking on the PFL burning money with the Ngannou deal and their looming potential buyout of Bellator.

Dana White blasts the PFL and Francis Ngannou, Ngannou responds

“I’ve got no beef with the PFL,” White clarified (H/T MMA Mania). “These guys have always been super professional and never talked any smack. You know me if I don’t like you … I don’t hold back — I’ll let you have it. I’m hearing that they’re raising money right now, $280 million, $300 million from the Middle East — I don’t know what the number is from the Middle East.”

“I’ve done a lot of business in the Middle East,” White continued. “Those guys are sharp. I don’t know who in the hell would give them $280 million. I’m hearing they’re buying Bellator. So, you’re an organization that’s burning cash, you have no ratings and selling no tickets, and you’re going to raise $280 million to buy a company that’s burning cash, sells no tickets, and does no ratings. It sounds f—king absolutely genius to me.”

Not taking too kindly to this, Francis Ngannou would respond on Twitter with a list of clarifications that directly contradict what the UFC President has claimed.

What is your problem with me?

1. I completed my contract, was a free agent, and chose to walk away. you didn’t release me

2. I hate taking risks? that’s why I defended my title to fulfill my contract with no acl or mcl?

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023

I’m finally getting paid and respected, and have a deal that’s fair and equal for all parties. Why are you so against me being free and happy?

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023

“What is your problem with me?” Francis Ngannou implored. “1. I completed my contract, was a free agent, and chose to walk away. you didn’t release me 2. I hate taking risks? That’s why I defended my title to fulfill my contract with no ACL or MCL?”

“3. The reason I fought three times in three years is because you wanted to control my deal and sign a new one. And freeze me out.” Francis Ngannou continued. “’I owe these guys three fights a year.’ Isn’t that what you say? What happened? I always asked for & never said no to any fight in the 3 years. I’m finally getting paid and respected, and have a deal that’s fair and equal for all parties. Why are you so against me being free and happy?”

Do you think Francis Ngannou made a mistake by leaving the UFC, or is he a genius for doing so?

Conor McGregor questions Francis Ngannou’s move to PFl, level of competition: ‘Who’s he going to fight?’

Initially claiming that former undisputed heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou likely should have ironed out his issues with the UFC prior to his January departure, former two-weight organizational champion, Conor McGregor has now questioned who the Cameroonian can face in a competitive fight in the wake of his PFL (Professional Fighters League) move. Ngannou, a former […]

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the UFC banner, penned terms with the Peter Murray-led PFL earlier this week, ahead of an expected return to professional mixed martial arts competition next year, following a transition to professional boxing later this annum.

As for McGregor, the former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion has been sidelined since he fractured his left tibia and fibula against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in July 2021.

Sharing his thoughts on Batié knockout artist, Ngannou’s tiff with the UFC amid his January promotional exit, Conor McGregor was under the impression that the former should have stuck around and competed under the Dana White-led banner before weighing up his options.

Conor McGregor questions Francis Ngannou’s transition to the PFL this week

And in the aftermath of his move to the PFL, McGregor has questioned whom of legitimate competition can Ngannou fight now.

“I’m happy for Francis (Ngannou), first of all,” Conor McGregor told Ariel Helwani during a recent interview. “Fair play to him. He’s done his thing. I still think he should have came to a resolution with the UFC. Who’s he going to fight? Who’s he going to fight that’s going to capture the general public? There’s no one. There’s no matchup that I can even think of, that I can even say to myself that is going to do big [numbers].”

Sidelined from active competition himself since January of last year, Ngannou most recently headlined UFC 270 against former interim heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane, successfully unifying the division titles with a unanimous decision win over the Frenchman.

Francis Ngannou backed following monumental PFL deal: ‘Many others would have bent to the system’

Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santo commended Francis Ngannou for sticking to his guns and making a deal that not only benefitted him but the whole of the sport. ‘The Predator’ made his blockbuster announcement on Tuesday, revealing that after months of negotiations and secrecy, he had signed on the dotted line with the […]

Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santo commended Francis Ngannou for sticking to his guns and making a deal that not only benefitted him but the whole of the sport.

‘The Predator’ made his blockbuster announcement on Tuesday, revealing that after months of negotiations and secrecy, he had signed on the dotted line with the Professional Fighters League. Aside from securing himself a big bag of cash, Ngannou advocated for his opponents and fighters under the PFL banner. The Cameroonian will also be the chairman of the promotion’s latest expansion, PFL Africa.

Congratulating Francis Ngannou on his historic deal is former opponent Junior dos Santo. During an appearance on MMA Fighting’s Portuguese-language podcast, Trocação Franca, ‘Cigano’ was proud of the way Ngannou got exactly what he was looking for, not only for himself but for the betterment of mixed martial arts.

JDS Says Francis Ngannou Should Be Congratulated For Ground-Breaking Deal

“Ngannou’s actions are admirable because you know for sure it comes from a person that has values and won’t change those values for small gifts of whatever it may be,” dos Santos said. “Why did anything like this never happen before? Because people focus on themselves first. [They say], ‘I’ll get something for me and screw the rest.’ It didn’t feel that way with Francis Ngannou. It felt important for him to make a difference…

“Honestly, I don’t care to know how much he’s making, what really matters is that it’s being done, and it’s being done in such a cool way,” dos Santos continued. “The least we can do is congratulate Francis Ngannou for his actions and for sticking to them. Many others would have bent to the system like we’ve seen many times before. He wanted it on his terms, and he’s doing it on his terms (h/t MMA News).

"The PFL is a special organization that puts fighters ?????" – @francis_ngannou

Go behind the scenes of the biggest MMA signing in history pic.twitter.com/aiuWrHnzGL

— PFL (@PFLMMA) May 17, 2023

Francis Ngannou and JDS squared off inside the Octagon in 2019. The Predator’ was coming off back-to-back losses against Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis when the two heavyweight superstars met. Ngannou scored a 71-second knockout of dos Santos which would be the beginning of a five-fight losing streak for JDS.

Ngannou is expected to make his first Smart Cage appearance in 2024 following his professional boxing debut which is expected to occur before 2023 comes to a close.