Tag: PFL News (Professional Fighters League)

Chael Sonnen commends PFL for suspending Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio: ‘They have the right to do it’

Natan SchulteChael Sonnen is backing the PFL’s decision to suspend Raush Manfio and Natan Schulte after delivering a lackluster performance in their PFL 6 preliminary bout last week. The Professional Fighters League has received a fair amount of backlash for their decision to suspend the American Top Team teammates after a three-round fight that felt more […]

Natan Schulte

Chael Sonnen is backing the PFL’s decision to suspend Raush Manfio and Natan Schulte after delivering a lackluster performance in their PFL 6 preliminary bout last week.

The Professional Fighters League has received a fair amount of backlash for their decision to suspend the American Top Team teammates after a three-round fight that felt more like a light sparring session. Natan Schulte ultimately went on to win the bout via a unanimous decision, earning him the three points necessary to clinch a spot in the 2023 PFL playoffs. However, the PFL was clearly in no mood to reward either man for their sleep-inducing performances. Less than 24 hours after the snoozefest, the PFL released a statement confirming that both fighters would be suspended effective immediately and Schulte’s playoff spot would be handed to Shane Burgos.

“Last Night Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio did not meet the standards which all PFL fighters agree to uphold in competition,” a statement from the PFL read. “All fighters in their PFL Fight Agreements agree to use their ‘best efforts… skills and abilities as a professional athlete to compete… and defeat any opponent. It was very clear that Natan and Raush did not meet that contractual standard in yesterday’s bout.”

Most fight fans and fighters have vehemently disagreed with the PFL’s decision. After all, they are the ones that booked a fight between two close friends and teammates. But former three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen doesn’t see it that way. Appearing on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, ‘The American Gangster’ commended the PFL for taking action and thoroughly explaining their decision.

“The PFL has done some things lately that have been awesome,” Sonnen said. “This is one of them, where when they made this decision. They came out and got in front of everything. They had a wonderful PR operator who, when they released this decision, said why they have the right to do it. They stated what was in the bylaws of the contract that you agree at all times to bring your best skillset and aggression against all opponents. They showed what the violation was, which any reasonable person would agree was violated… I don’t think the PFL was wrong” (h/t MMA News).

Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio Respond to Their Abrupt PFL Suspensions

Natan Schulte expressed his displeasure with the decision on Twitter and dragged recent PFL signee Francis Ngannou into the conversation, citing his role as a member of the promotion’s Global Advisory Board.

“I am very unsatisfied with the decision that was taken by the PFL last night to favor Shane Burgos’ entry into the playoffs,” Schulte tweeted. “You remember Francis Ngannou’s fight against Derrick Lewis, he didn’t throw six punches in the whole fight and he wasn’t cut for his performance that night. So, I ask you Francis Ngannou since you protect the rights of the fighters, do you think this decision is correct?”

Raush Manfio’s manager, Brian Butler, also issued a statement condemning the PFL’s controversial decision.

“To make a subjective decision like this from a promoter that stakes its claim in fighter advocacy is just a bad look, in my opinion,” Butler said in a statement sent to MMA Fighting. “Judges make bad calls all the time with less repercussion. Raush and Natan are best friends and have been exclusive training partners for each other for years. Natan is the godfather of Raush’s daughter. To say they know each other’s styles, tricks and techniques inside and out is a gross understatement.

“Situations like bad style matchups and lackluster fights happen in this sport all the time but the unique thing about the PFL and the ‘tournament/point format’ is that it would sort itself out on its own in the end. Our client got half his pay and zero points to move forward in the tournament. This is distasteful and unnecessary.”

Do you believe the PFL was right to suspend Raush Mafio and Natan Schulte for their uninspired performances?

Dana White slams door on future Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou cross over fight: ‘It wouldn’t work’

Dana White shuts down Jon Jones Francis Ngannou cross over fight it wouldn't workUFC president, Dana White has played down the possibility of a future fight between current division champion, Jon Jones, and former division titleholder, Francis Ngannou – stressing how a cross-over fight with the recently signed PFL (Professional Fighters League) star “wouldn’t work”. Jones, the current heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, is the […]

Dana White shuts down Jon Jones Francis Ngannou cross over fight it wouldn't work

UFC president, Dana White has played down the possibility of a future fight between current division champion, Jon Jones, and former division titleholder, Francis Ngannou – stressing how a cross-over fight with the recently signed PFL (Professional Fighters League) star “wouldn’t work”.

Jones, the current heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, is the latest heavyweight to clinch gold following the removal of Ngannou as champion, following is departing from the promotion back in January of this year.

As for Ngannou, the Cameroonian has been sidelined from active competition since he headlined UFC 270 back in January of last year, unifying and defending the heavyweight titles in a unanimous decision win over former interim titleholder, Ciryl Gane.

And despite the fact Ngannou nor Jones ever faced each other in a much-clamoured for fight during their respecteive tenures with the UFC, the two talked up a future fight during a tense showdown and face-off during PFL 5: Regular Season earlier this month.

Dana White shuts down Jon Jones x Francis Ngannou in the future

With a slew of those within the community once more lamenting how a fight between the two has failed to materialize, UFC boss, White has reiterated that a potential fight between Jones and Ngannou would never take place.

“It wouldn’t work,” Dana White said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show of a fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. “Francis was here [in the UFC], Jon Jones wanted that fight the whole time. We tried to make the fight with Francis… yeah.” 

Winning vacant heavyweight spoils against common-foe, Gane back in March of this year in a triumphant return at UFC 285, Jones has yet to book his first title defense, however, has been linked with a comeback fight at UFC 294 in November – with a matchup against either Stipe Miocic or Sergei Pavlovich targeted for the Madison Square Garden event. 

Ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou rumored to potentially fight Derek Chisora in December boxing debut

Francis Ngannou Derek Chisora boxing match in December Boxing PFLFormer undisputed UFC heavyweight champion and recent PFL (Professional Fighters League) singing, Francis Ngannou has been backed to make a potential professional boxing debut on a planned December pay-per-view event in Saudi Arabia – in a discussed pairing with former championship challenger, Derek Chisora, according to rumors heard by Matchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn. Francis […]

Francis Ngannou Derek Chisora boxing match in December Boxing PFL

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion and recent PFL (Professional Fighters League) singing, Francis Ngannou has been backed to make a potential professional boxing debut on a planned December pay-per-view event in Saudi Arabia – in a discussed pairing with former championship challenger, Derek Chisora, according to rumors heard by Matchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn.

Francis Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined from combat sports competition since he headlined UFC 270 back in January of last year, successfully unifying the heavyweight titles in a unanimous decision win over Ciryl Gane in Anaheim, California.

And penning terms on a multi-fight deal with the Peter Murray-led PFL earlier this year ahead of an expected return to professional mixed martial arts competition next year, Francis Ngannou has been tipped to make a professional boxing debut first and foremost later this annum.

Francis Ngannou linked with boxing debut against Derek Chisora in December

Continually linked with a fight against the likes of current WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, as well as a pairing with former world champion, Anthony Joshua – according to Hearn, rumors suggest the Cameroonian could now be lined up to fight former two-time WBC gold chaser, Chisora in the Middle East at the end of this year.

“There are rumors for a third fight for that night in December which could be (Francis) Ngannou against (Derek) Chisora,” Eddie Hearn told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. “I actually quite like that fight because I don’t see Francis being competitive against Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, but more competitive against Chisora.”

“What Francis wants to do is land a massive payday,” Hearn explained. “The only difference in the heavyweight world is Francis can really punch. Listen, if he lands one on Fury, if he lands one on AJ, or lands one on Chisora, he can win the fight. You need a site fee for a fight like that. I don’t know what Francis wants, but you’re talking about tens of millions of dollars for these fights, and it may just not be there.” (Transcribed by TalkSPORT)

Daniel Cormier defends UFC rival Jon Jones: ‘He ain’t afraid of Francis Ngannou, not at all’

Daniel Cormier defends Jon Jones he ain't afraid of Francis Ngannou not at all UFC PFLOff the back of their recent run-in at PFL 5: Regular Season over the course of last week, former duel-weight champion, Daniel Cormier has defended his former opponent, current UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, claiming he is in no way intimidated by former titleholder, Francis Ngannou. Sharing a tense face-off at PFL 5 last week, […]

Daniel Cormier defends Jon Jones he ain't afraid of Francis Ngannou not at all UFC PFL

Off the back of their recent run-in at PFL 5: Regular Season over the course of last week, former duel-weight champion, Daniel Cormier has defended his former opponent, current UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, claiming he is in no way intimidated by former titleholder, Francis Ngannou.

Sharing a tense face-off at PFL 5 last week, Ngannou, who recently penned terms on a multi-fight deal with the Peter Murray-led PFL (Professional Fighters League), appeared at an event hosted by the promotion last week, squaring off with the above-mentioned, Jon Jones – with the two linked with an eventual showdown for years prior to Ngannou’s departure from the UFC back in January.

Completing his contractual obligations with the UFC back in December of last year officially, Batié native, Ngannou officially departed the promotion at the turn of the year, and subsequently inked terms with the PFL.

Daniel Cormier claims Jon Jones has no fear of Francis Ngannou

Sharing his thoughts on his tense showdown with Jones, in which both men played up a fight, albeit highly unlikely, Ngannou’s presence has been shot down by former undisputed light heavyweight champion and UFC Hall of Fame inductee, Cormier.

“Here’s one thing I took from that, honestly,” Daniel Cormier said on an episode of DC & RC. “I watched them come up to each other and Francis (Ngannou) ain’t afraid of nobody. He’s one of the baddest men on the planet. But as Jon’s (Jones) grabbing him, touching his arm, and he’s talking to him, something changes in him whenever they’re face-to-face. When Francis starts talking about being the king of the world, Jon said, ‘I’ve always been the king. I’ve always been the best.’ When you look at his facial expression, I’ve seen that before.”

“When him and I would come into our interactions and we were arguing, both of us had this idea that ‘I am the best,’ Nothing is gonna change that,” Cormier continued. “And I could see that wash across his face with Francis and he told him. It showed me in that moment that Jon Jones ain’t afraid of Francis Ngannou. Not at all.” 

Francis Ngannou claims UFC star Jon Jones felt ‘The pressure’ following heated PFL 5 staredown

Francis Ngannou claims Jon Jones felt the pressure in PFL 5 staredownFormer undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, has claimed his arch-rival and current undisputed promotional titleholder, Jon Jones most recently “feels the pressure” following their PFL 5: Regular Season staredown earlier this weekend.  Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, departed the organization back in January after the completion of […]

Francis Ngannou claims Jon Jones felt the pressure in PFL 5 staredown

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, has claimed his arch-rival and current undisputed promotional titleholder, Jon Jones most recently “feels the pressure” following their PFL 5: Regular Season staredown earlier this weekend. 

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, departed the organization back in January after the completion of his contractual obligations with the Dana White-led banner back in December of last year.

As for Jones, the former light heavyweight champion returned triumphantly from a three-year-plus hiatus at UFC 285 back in March, submitting common-foe, Ciryl Gane with an opening round guillotine choke in the pair’s vacant championship fight. 

Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou were continually linked with an eventual fight

Poking fun at Batié knockout artist, Ngannou’s move to the Peter Murray-led PFL (Professional Fighters League) earlier this year, Jones questioned how the Cameroonian could call himself the best heavyweight in the world, whilst not competing under the banner of the UFC anymore.

And despite initially sharing some candid words regarding his relationship with Ngannou, Jones would then meet with the ex-champion face-to-face –  SmartCage-side, claiming that he didn’t want to fight him.

“I know that I’m badder than him (Francis Ngannou),” Jon Jones said. “So, I don’t have to give him any weird looks or whatever. He’s big muscles, he’s a very impressive looking figure, but when it comes to this fight game, it’s my whole world and I know who I am.”

“I’ve met Francis before, he’s a sweetheart of a guy,” Jon Jones explained. “Outside of the fight game, he’s a pretty respectful guy. I can be pretty respectful as well. I’m looking forward to seeing the brother and giving him some knuckles.”

Himself sharing his opinion on his tense face-off with Jones, Francis Ngannou tweeted, “He (Jon Jones) feels the pressure” – accompanied by footage of their staredown. 

Jon Jones insists he’s much ‘Badder’ than Francis Ngannou: ‘When it comes to the fight game, it’s my world’

Jon Jones claims I'm much badder than Francis Ngannou fighting it's my world UFC PFLFollowing last night’s run-in at PFL 5, undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has praised the physique of rival, Francis Ngannou, however, also claims that when it comes to fighting – he has the upper hand on the Cameroonian. Jones, the current heavyweight title, managed to clinch the division crown vacated by the aforenoted, Ngannou […]

Jon Jones claims I'm much badder than Francis Ngannou fighting it's my world UFC PFL

Following last night’s run-in at PFL 5, undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has praised the physique of rival, Francis Ngannou, however, also claims that when it comes to fighting – he has the upper hand on the Cameroonian.

Jones, the current heavyweight title, managed to clinch the division crown vacated by the aforenoted, Ngannou back in March of this year in the main event of UFC 285, landing a first round guillotine choke submission win over common-opponent, Ciryl Gane. 

As for Ngannou, the Batié native, revered as one the greatest knockout artists in the history of the sport, has yet to return to the Octagon since he headlined UFC 270 back in January of last year, successfully unifying the heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision win over the aforenoted, Gane. 

Tied to a potential fight with Ngannou throughout the last two years, Jones met face to face with the former UFC champion at PFL 5 last night – where he was cornering teammate, Maurice Greene, with the duo lamenting their failed pairing when both competed under the banner of the UFC. 

Jon Jones speaks candidly of his relationship with UFC veteran, Francis Ngannou

Speaking candidly of their failed showdown during their respective Octagon stints, Jones claimed that Ngannou boasts a hugely impressive physique, the fighting realm would surely separate the two of them – in his favor.

“I know that I’m badder than him (Francis Ngannou),” Jon Jones told ESPN during an interview at the event. “So, I don’t have to give him any weird looks or whatever. He’s big muscles, he’s a very impressive looking figure, but when it comes to this fight game, it’s my whole world and I know who I am.”

“I’ve met Francis before, he’s a sweetheart of a guy,” Jon Jones explained. “Outside of the fight game, he’s a pretty respectful guy. I can be pretty respectful as well. I’m looking forward to seeing the brother and giving him some knuckles.”