Francis Ngannou, despite leaving the UFC for a lucrative PFL deal and boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, made more money than he would have in the UFC, but his legacy in MMA has suffered, according to UFC legend Matt Brown.
Francis Ngannou’s return to the UFC seems unlikely, but his head coach’s recent podcast comments briefly reignited interest. Even reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones got excited about a potential clash. However, Ngannou remains committed to the PFL and aims to step back into the boxing ring—opportunities he didn’t have in the UFC.
Has Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC for the PFL been a misstep? UFC legend Matt Brown weighed in, saying, “Define mistake.” Financially, Ngannou hit the jackpot fighting Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, pocketing money he’d never see in the UFC.
Legacy-wise, though, it’s a different story. Brown argues that Ngannou’s absence from the heavyweight division has tarnished his legacy. Winning those boxing matches could’ve boosted his standing, especially after his close fight with Fury.
Ngannou knocked Fury down but lost by decision. His next bout ended in a knockout loss to Joshua before he returned to the PFL, defeating Renan Ferreira. Brown thinks hindsight fuels the debate over Ngannou’s choices, especially after those losses.
“Now everyone’s questioning his move,” Brown said. “But financially, it was no mistake. He earned more in two fights than a decade in the UFC. Still, his legacy suffers. He’s out of the best heavyweight ever talks.”
Despite the sting of those losses, Ngannou’s laughing all the way to the bank. Brown emphasizes the financial gain, saying, “It’s prize fighting. He got the biggest prize. Who are we to judge?”
Ngannou’s earnings in boxing dwarf what he’d make in the UFC, even against someone like Jones. But for Ngannou, it wasn’t just about money. It was about control over his career.
Brown speculates that Ngannou saw the business side clearly. “In boxing, he gets a bigger cut. Why settle for less?” It’s less about needing $50 million and more about feeling valued.
In the end, Brown believes Ngannou’s choices reflect two truths. He secured massive paydays against Fury and Joshua, but his MMA relevancy has dwindled outside the UFC.
“Does Francis care?” Brown muses. “With $30 million, you might not hear from me either.” Ngannou’s current focus may be elsewhere, but financially, he’s in a league of his own—perhaps only rivaled by Conor McGregor.
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