Francis Ngannou’s Post-Fight Financials: The $20 Million Myth and What’s Next for ‘The Predator’
Francis Ngannou, a name synonymous with power and perseverance, continues to captivate the combat sports world with his journey from the rugged streets of Cameroon to the glamorous rings of boxing and MMA. Recently, Ngannou’s financial gains from his bout against Anthony Joshua have sparked intense discussion, but the reality may be different from the headlines.
When Ngannou first ventured into boxing, many doubted his success, including UFC President Dana White. Despite the skepticism, Ngannou made headlines with his debut against Tyson Fury, making a considerable impact. However, his subsequent match against British boxing sensation Anthony Joshua has been shrouded in financial speculation.
Reports suggested that Ngannou earned upwards of $20 million for his fight with Joshua, but Ngannou himself has poured cold water on these claims. In a candid conversation on the ‘The Diary of CEO’ podcast, Ngannou revealed that while he did earn a substantial amount, the $20 million figure was inflated. “I don’t know [if it’s true] because I haven’t counted yet [laughs]. I can’t say if it’s true, but it’s not true [making $20 million]. Yeah [earned a lot of money],” Ngannou admitted.
“I don’t know [because] I haven’t counted yet [laughs]. I can’t say if it’s true, but it’s not true [making $20 million]. Yeah [earned a lot of money],” Francis Ngannou revealed on ‘The Diary of CEO’ podcast.
“What is life-changing [amount]?… You give $10 million to somebody, it’s just another $10 million and he won’t change anything in his life. And, you give $1,000 to somebody [else], he changes his life [or] he saves his life,” Francis Ngannou added.
Ngannou’s journey from the MMA octagon to the boxing ring has been nothing short of remarkable. During his fight against Tyson Fury, Ngannou reportedly pocketed $10 million, a sum that, while impressive, is dwarfed by the exaggerated figures circulating in the media. His bout with Joshua, despite its monumental importance, did not yield the windfall some expected.
Despite the discrepancy between reported and actual earnings, Ngannou remains philosophical about the impact of money on his life. He reflects on the relative value of wealth, stating, “What is life-changing [amount]?… You give $10 million to somebody, it’s just another $10 million and he won’t change anything in his life. And, you give $1,000 to somebody [else], he changes his life [or] he saves his life.”
As Ngannou settles into his role as a boxer, the thrill of the sport is far from over. He’s currently preparing for a new challenge in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The upcoming fight against Renan Ferreira, a former PFL heavyweight champion and a formidable adversary, is generating buzz. Ferreira’s recent victory over Ryan Bader has positioned him as a serious contender, and Ngannou’s fans are eagerly anticipating this clash.
Joe Rogan, a vocal supporter of Ngannou, recently highlighted Ferreira’s potential threats on his podcast, stating, “He’s dangerous, he’s legit… He’s a big dude too. Very athletic, fast.” This acknowledgment from Rogan adds a layer of intrigue to Ngannou’s next fight, emphasizing the challenges that lie ahead for the former UFC champion.
“He’s dangerous, he’s legit… He’s a big dude too. Very athletic, fast,” Rogan told Ngannou on the JRE podcast.
In summary, while the financial rewards of Ngannou’s foray into boxing may not have matched some of the inflated figures reported, his career remains on an upward trajectory. His move back to MMA, with a high-profile PFL bout on the horizon, promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Ngannou’s story is one of resilience and adaptability, showcasing his ability to face challenges head-on and continue to evolve as a fighter.
