One of the most brutal fighters in MMA history is Francis Ngannou. After a string of knockouts, he emerged from Cameroon’s streets to win the UFC heavyweight title. Although his path was inspirational, he has since changed his course and joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Everyone is now wondering if Ngannou will ever make a comeback to the UFC. Or has he permanently moved on?
Let’s examine Ngannou’s background, the reasons behind his departure from the UFC, and the likelihood that we will see him in the Octagon once more.
The Ascent of Ngannou in the UFC
Francis Ngannou has an extraordinary journey to become a UFC star. He was up in Cameroon in abject poverty and dreamed of being a champion. Ngannou started mixed martial arts training after relocating to France, and he quickly rose to prominence.
When he made his UFC debut in 2015, fans immediately recognized his special potential. The UFC had never seen Ngannou’s blend of strength, stature, and quickness before. He became a feared name in the heavyweight category thanks to his knockout wins against elite opponents like Cain Velasquez, Alistair Overeem, and Curtis Blaydes.
By defeating Stipe Miocic in the second round to win the UFC heavyweight title in March 2021, Ngannou achieved the apex of his career. Officially, he was the division’s most dangerous individual.
The Reason Ngannou Quit the UFC
Ngannou wasn’t happy with his UFC contract despite his achievements. He wanted more freedom to pursue other alternatives, like boxing, because he felt underpaid. But Dana White, the president of the UFC, refused to comply with his requests.
Ngannou made the audacious choice to leave the UFC because he was fed up with not having any control over his career. A lot of supporters were taken aback. At the height of his career, how could a fighter like Ngannou leave the largest MMA organization?
For Ngannou, this wasn’t just about money; it was about having control over his career and future. This decision led him to the PFL, a growing MMA organization that offered him more freedom and opportunities outside of MMA, like boxing.
The PFL Gamble of Ngannou
Many were surprised by Ngannou’s decision to join the PFL. In contrast to the UFC, the PFL uses a league structure that enables competitors to vie for large sums of money. More significantly, Ngannou was granted leadership inside the PFL and was allowed to box, something the UFC would not allow.
Fans question whether Ngannou’s choice is risky, though, given that the PFL has far less international exposure than the UFC. Will he receive the same level of attention and competition in the PFL? Now that he is competing against the world’s top fighters, Ngannou is a large fish in a tiny pond, which could have an impact on his legacy.
Ngannou appears committed to altering the rules, though. He wants to demonstrate that boxers can have authority and control over their careers, so he’s not simply fighting for himself.
Will Ngannou Join the UFC Again?
Whether Francis Ngannou will return to the UFC is still a major mystery.
Ngannou has not ruled out a comeback. Although he is currently concentrating on his PFL contract, Ngannou is a superstar and the UFC is a business. Just his name has the power to sell bouts and generate enormous pay-per-view revenue.
Consider a rematch between Jon Jones and Ngannou or Stipe Miocic. Since the UFC is aware that these fights have the potential to break records, they are unlikely to decline the chance. But if Ngannou and Dana White are able to put aside their differences,
The UFC’s future might change if Ngannou makes a comeback, giving competitors more power and influence. However, if he remains with the PFL, he has the potential to represent a new age in combat sports and alter public perceptions of mixed martial arts outside of the UFC.
What Will Happen to Ngannou Next?
Francis Ngannou has already established himself as one of the best fighters in the history of mixed martial arts. His perseverance is demonstrated by his journey from Cameroon’s sand mines to the top of the UFC. He is currently trying to alter the sport itself, nevertheless, in order to achieve a greater goal.
Whether Ngannou stays in the PFL, rejoins the UFC, or enters the boxing ring, his next move might permanently alter the MMA scene. His narrative is far from over, that much is clear.
Ready to turn your passion into profit? Visit https://cashcowstudio.com to generate monthly income from YouTube!