Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion, has been very open about his priorities since leaving the UFC. While some critics question his career decisions, Ngannou says taking care of his family comes before worrying about his legacy.
Ngannou will fight Philipe Lins on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event is promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and streamed on Netflix.
Ngannou Rejects Legacy Talk
Many fighters and fans discuss legacy as a measure of success, but Ngannou has a different perspective. He said in an interview:
“Let me tell you what’s the legacy. My legacy right now, is my kids back home, with my family back home, getting healthcare, getting security, being able to put food on the table, being able to put a roof on their head. That’s a better legacy. You can have the Muhammad Ali legacy or whatever you want.
“If your kid cannot attend the school, he has no place in the society. If your kid doesn’t have food in the stomach, that legacy doesn’t help you for anything. You cannot go to the store or to the gas station, or pay a school fee with a legacy. You have to understand that this is bullsh*t that promotion tricks fighters with, and they’re all out there fighting for legacy. Good for you. Keep your legacy and give me my pay – what I deserve.”
Ngannou makes it clear that financial stability for his family is his real measure of success.
Francis Ngannou fired back at critics claiming he ruined his legacy after the UFC:
“You can’t go to the store and pay with legacy. This is bullsh*t promotions feed fighters, that they’re fighting for legacy. Good for you. Keep the legacy, give me my pay.” 😳
(via @fighthype) pic.twitter.com/6aUJZkgBXa
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 11, 2026
Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023 while still holding the heavyweight title. Many fans were surprised because champions rarely leave the promotion voluntarily.
Since leaving, he has competed in MMA only once, beating Renan Ferreira under the PFL banner. He also fought in boxing twice, losing a decision to Tyson Fury and being knocked out by Anthony Joshua.
Ngannou says he has earned far more money from these recent fights than from his decade-long UFC career with fifteen bouts. This reinforces his belief that fair pay is more important than titles or reputation.
As he prepares for his upcoming fight against Lins, Ngannou continues to speak openly about fighter compensation, security, and the real-life responsibilities that matter most: taking care of his kids and family.
