The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has long been a powerhouse in the world of mixed martial arts, catapulting fighters to superstardom. However, it has also faced persistent criticism regarding fighter pay and sponsorship issues. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou recently exposed a shocking revelation during his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show. Ngannou disclosed that he lost a staggering $1.2 million sponsorship deal, surpassing his fight purse, due to a controversial decision made by the UFC.
Francis Ngannou, known as ‘The Predator,’ appeared on episode #146 of the JRE MMA podcast, where he candidly discussed his departure from the UFC and various related topics. One revelation that stunned many was Ngannou’s account of a lucrative sponsorship offer he had received from an undisclosed cryptocurrency wallet. This offer amounted to over $1.2 million, a sum greater than any fight purse he had ever earned.
UFC’s Crypto.com Deal:
Ngannou’s sponsorship deal was on the verge of being finalized when the UFC announced a partnership with crypto.com. This announcement abruptly halted Ngannou’s deal, leaving him without the promised financial windfall. The heavyweight fighter expressed his disappointment, stating that the crypto.com deal had effectively ended his opportunity to secure the $1.2 million sponsorship.
This revelation by Ngannou underscores a persistent issue within the UFC – the disparity between fighter earnings and the organization’s lucrative deals. While the UFC has undoubtedly elevated many fighters to global fame, the compensation they receive has not always reflected the organization’s immense profits. Ngannou’s case serves as a stark reminder of the financial challenges faced by MMA athletes, who often risk their health and careers in the Octagon.
Despite the setback with the missed sponsorship deal, things appear to be looking up for Francis Ngannou. He has ventured into boxing, securing a reported $10 million payout for his debut fight against Tyson Fury, scheduled for October 28th in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he has signed one of the most lucrative deals ever seen in MMA with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Francis Ngannou’s revelation about the lost $1.2 million sponsorship deal sheds light on the ongoing issues of fighter pay and sponsorship within the UFC. While the organization has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the careers of countless fighters, the disparity between fighter earnings and corporate deals remains a contentious issue. As Ngannou embarks on his boxing journey and embraces new opportunities, his story serves as a reminder of the financial challenges faced by athletes in the world of mixed martial arts.