The current UFC Champion, Francis Ngannou has been clamoring for a better purse over the past couple of months but his complaints have fallen on the deaf ears of UFC chief Dana White. The latest reveal shows former UFC veteran Anthony Pettis securing a bigger purse since his switch to the Professional Fighters League [PFL] in 2020.
Despite back-to-back losses and just one win in four fights since joining the promotion, Pettis was still privileged to earn $750,000 (£625,200) from his last fight showing the disparity between the two promotions. ‘The Showtime’ is not one the only big name to quit the promotions as the likes of Anderson Silva, Kevin Ferguson, and Conor Mcgregor have enjoyed successful switches.
Francis Ngannou’s Pay Dispute With the UFC
Jake Paul, a social media star and pro-boxer in a public feud with Dana White pioneered the “better fighters pay and health insurance” movement which has been hijacked by several MMA stars calling out the promotion over their unfair treatment. Ngannou has since been on the front foot of the protest and does not seem set to bend to the promotion’s terms in the new contract negotiation.
The Cameroonian despite multiple knee injuries earned just $600,000 (£500,160) from his most recent win against Ciryl Gane, retaining the heavyweight title. A loss to Cyril Gane would have brought an end to Ngannou’s contract but a win ensures he is contractually tied to the promotion for three more bouts or until the end of 2022.
Ngannou, frustrated by his inactivity, accumulated losses, and sub-standard pay across his time with the promotion, now has his eyes set on lucrative deals outside the promotion having received offers from the Bareknuckle CEO while also eyeing a multimillion-dollar matchup against Tyson Fury and the likes of Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder in a matchup with hybrid rules.
Ngannou’s recent bad blood with former champion Jon Jones has brought excitement to the MMA world as Jones could be in line for an interim title shot if he emerges victorious against Stipe Miocic in September.
Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images
