For a long time, UFC fighters have lobbied for better pay. The former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has stayed at the forefront of this movement. Ngannou only defended his title once in the UFC because his contract demands weren’t met. The title was eventually stripped off Ngannou and he left as a free agent.
Most fans and fighters alike were on Francis Ngannou’s side. They felt that Ngannou should earn what he is worth. But recently a chat between super-agent, Ali Abdelaziz, and boxing promoter, Anatoly Sulyanov was leaked. The texts revealed Ngannou’s monetary demands for a single fight as a free agent.
Francis Ngannou wants to make $30 million for his next fight. Interesting that Ali Abdelaziz is helping him. pic.twitter.com/TJz3NbOQ4t
— Matysek (@Matysek88) February 22, 2023
The texts between the two read:
Ali Abdelaziz: He's [Francis Ngannou] my friend, but I don't manage him Tolya Sulyanov: Yes I know you are friends Ali Abdelaziz: He wants to make $30 million Tolya Sulyanov: Ngannou wants to make 30 million from 1 fight? Ali Abdelaziz: Yes
It seems Dana White wasn’t lying about Ngannou’s desire for a financially lucrative contract. But as one of the greatest ever UFC champions, he is not wrong to demand what he feels is a worthwhile sum of money. Ultimately, as Ngannou eyes a boxing fight, $30 million is an average payday for a top-ranked heavyweight boxer.
Francis Ngannou eyeing big money deal as he looks to fight Deontay Wilder
The Bronze Bomber, Deontay Wilder, emphasized again that he is willing to take on Francis Ngannou in a two-fight boxing/MMA deal. In his own words, “Whether we do all boxing, all MMA, or boxing and MMA, I’m down for the smoke on all three.” Wilder also said that Ngannou only wanted to fight him in a boxing match.
“The Predator” then addressed this on Twitter, saying, “I only said boxing so he can keep his limbs. Like I said, we will see if he’s a man of his word.” And he also acknowledged Wilder’s status as a free agent, saying, “Welcome to the free world @BronzeBomber. I hope you are a man of your word. See you soon. #NgannouWilder.”
Francis Ngannou responds to Deontay Wilder… pic.twitter.com/h3KsYfCzQk
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 17, 2023
It seems both Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou are ready to fight each other. The only potential holdup in making this fight may be the payouts for each fighter. However, Ngannou’s demands, which may seem absurd in the UFC, are not all that in the boxing industry.
Tyson Fury made a guaranteed $30 million and also received 60% of the PPV revenue for his third fight against Deontay Wilder. Whereas, the combined total payout at UFC 270, where Francis defended his title against Ciryl Gane, was a paltry $1.8 million. Only time will tell whether Francis Ngannou gets the money he has long been asking for but a fight between the Bronze Bomber and the Predator is a mouth-watering prospect for any combat sports fan.