The saga of Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC continues to make waves. It’s a story that’s captivated fight fans for months now and was a source of shame for the UFC. Dana White recently threw a verbal haymaker at the narrative. He challenged the idea that Ngannou struck gold by leaving for boxing.
White didn’t pull any punches in a recent interview with Kevin Iole. He called the notion of boxers making more money “total bullsh*t.” The UFC boss claims to know the real numbers behind the scenes.
“Coz why? I don’t give a s**t. What’s the difference? Because I know all the s**t you people don’t know. And I don’t care what everybody says, doesn’t matter to me. But that’s a fact. He was offered more money. Because I know, I know the real numbers. I know the real numbers…That’s that whole myth that makes everybody go, ‘Oh, let’s f*cking go to boxing!’ and all this bullshit. Boxing don’t work. ”
Dana White’s frustration was palpable as he railed against the “myth” of boxing riches. He argued that the sport’s business model is fundamentally broken. Beneath the commotion, there’s a serious debate about fighter pay. Francis Ngannou’s departure highlighted long-standing issues within the UFC’s pay structure. However, the UFC CEO remained adamant that this was not the case.
Francis Ngannou reportedly earned more than double in a single boxing match with the UFC. White’s adamant denial raises eyebrows. Is he privy to information fans don’t have? Or is this just damage control? No one will know.
Francis Ngannou Confident He Would Make More Money In Boxing Than In The UFC
‘The Predator’s’ journey from the sand mines of Cameroon to UFC stardom is legendary. But his career moves sparked a financial firestorm in the fighting world. He shocked fans when he left the UFC earlier this year. He traded his heavyweight belt for a shot at boxing glory and PFL riches. Since then, his relationship with the UFC boss hasn’t been smooth.
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Many questioned his decision. They wondered if ‘he had fumbled’ a golden opportunity in the octagon. But Ngannou remained steadfast, insisting greener pastures awaited him outside the UFC. Now, it seems the Predator’s gambit is paying off in spades.
“One-hundred percent, yes. I didn’t make that much in my entire UFC career, basically after turning down all those contracts that could have made me more money. But yes, if we count it, absolutely,” said Ngannou via The MMA Hour.
Francis Ngannou has now faced both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in the Boxing ring. Even though he lost, he made an estimated $30 million in these two fights. That is incomparable to the $8 million he revealed the UFC offered.
Also Read: Joe Rogan Recalls The Time He Met “F**king Terrifying’” Francis Ngannou In The Octagon
