Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is seeking a massive payday for his first appearance inside the squared circle.
Last month, UFC president Dana White revealed that the promotion had parted ways with Ngannou after the two parties failed to come to terms on a new deal. As a result, ‘The Predator’ vacated his heavyweight crown and is actively seeking an opponent for his professional boxing debut. Ngannou has some big names in mind including Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. He also has a big paycheck in mind as alleged leaked Whatsapp messages from MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz indicate Ngannou is looking to make $30 million off a single fight.
Abdelaziz, the CEO of Dominance MMA, appears to have told a colleague, “He’s my friend but I don’t manage him” before revealing the jaw-dropping number Ngannou is hoping to secure for his services. “He wants to make $30 million,” Abdelaziz allegedly wrote.
Francis Ngannou wants to make $30 million for his next fight. Interesting that Ali Abdelaziz is helping him. pic.twitter.com/TJz3NbOQ4t
— Matysek (@Matysek88) February 22, 2023
Is Francis Ngannou Worth $30 Million for One Fight?
While $30 million may seem like an astronomical number, especially for a fighter who has never once competed in boxing, it is within the realm of possibility. Per a report from Sporting News, Tyson Fury, arguably the biggest name in professional boxing today, earned $25 million for his trilogy bout with Derek Chisora. It was a fight that ‘The Gypsy King’ was heavily criticized for taking and one few boxing aficionados had an interest in seeing. Despite that, Fury cleaned up financially and a potential showdown with Francis Ngannou could garner similar results for both parties.
However, Ngannou is only going to clear an amount like that fighting against a name such as Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder. Anything less and Ngannou will need to temper his expectations.
If things don’t work out with Fury or Wilder, Ngannou can always fall back on the desperate offer from the Russian boxing promotion Hardcore Boxing League. The head of the league, Anatoly Sulyanov, took to social media and offered ‘The Predator’ $3 million to compete against the promotion’s reigning heavyweight champion.
“So, Francis, I have an offer for you – three million dollars for one fight in Hardcore Boxing on March 18 in Dubai against my heavyweight champion Soslan Asbarov,” Sulyanov wrote. “We have already sent the contract to your manager and we are waiting for a response from you guys. Let’s do that!”
