Mixed martial arts star Francis Ngannou is set to make $10 million in his first professional boxing match, signaling a potential shift in the sport. Learn more about Ngannou’s journey and the impact on MMA.
| Key Points |
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| Francis Ngannou is preparing for his first professional boxing match, which will earn him $10 million. |
| Ngannou’s decision to sign with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) allows him to compete in boxing and access larger purses. |
| The fight against Tyson Fury is drawing media attention and follows the trend of MMA fighters entering the boxing ring. |
| Boxers have higher earnings due to the established business model and their ability to negotiate fights and advertising deals. |
| Ngannou’s contract with the PFL includes a minority stake in the league and a guaranteed payout for his opponents. |
| The financial challenges faced by MMA fighters highlight the need for better pay and potential unionization. |
Francis Ngannou’s Million-Dollar Boxing Debut
Mixed martial arts star Francis Ngannou is gearing up for his highly anticipated professional boxing match, where he is set to earn a whopping $10 million. This is a significant increase compared to his recent MMA bout earnings. Ngannou, who was previously a heavyweight UFC champion, made the decision to sign with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after his UFC contract expired. Unlike the UFC, the PFL allows fighters to compete in boxing, where the purses can be much larger.
The upcoming fight will take place in Saudi Arabia, with Ngannou facing off against world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury. While the official payouts have not been disclosed, Fury has mentioned that Ngannou is guaranteed to make at least eight figures. This matchup has attracted considerable media attention and promises substantial paydays, following in the footsteps of Conor McGregor’s 2017 boxing match against Floyd Mayweather, where McGregor earned $85 million.
Despite the growing popularity of mixed martial arts, top MMA fighters still struggle to match the earnings of boxers. One of the main reasons for this is the established and lucrative business model of boxing. Unlike MMA fighters who are typically under contract with a promotion or league, boxers act as their own business entities. This gives them more negotiating power in terms of fights and advertising deals.
Ngannou acknowledges the financial challenges faced by many fighters in the MMA industry, stating that most fighters are barely able to make a living and live paycheck to paycheck. However, his unique contract with the PFL has provided him with a remarkable opportunity. Not only does he have the chance to participate in this high-profile boxing match, but he also holds a minority stake in the league. Ngannou’s success extends beyond combat sports, as he also owns a professional football team in his native Cameroon and has expressed interest in investing in a Major League Soccer team.
The PFL’s contract with Ngannou has garnered praise from UFC fighters, with hall-of-famer Daniel Cormier stating that it sets a new standard. PFL founder Donn Davis believes that similar contracts could be offered to other fighters who can deliver comparable results. Ngannou has been an advocate for better pay for his peers, and as part of his deal with the PFL, his opponents will receive a guaranteed payout of $2 million.
While MMA athletes have already taken legal action against their employers, such as the ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by former UFC fighters, Ngannou believes that true change will only come through government intervention or the enactment of laws. He hopes to see fighters unionize, but acknowledges the challenges they face in gaining enough power to do so.
In conclusion, Francis Ngannou’s million-dollar boxing debut not only highlights the potential for MMA fighters to earn substantial paydays in the boxing world but also sheds light on the financial disparities between the two combat sports.
