Jake Paul shared his reaction after former UFC star Francis Ngannou announced he will join the PFL roster.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has been out of action since defeating Ciryl Gane on the judges’ scorecards at UFC 270 in Jan. 2022. He underwent knee surgery following the win and has been on the sidelines since. He had been at odds with the UFC and company president Dana White due to difficulties in negotiating a new deal and indicated plans to explore free agency as the win over Gane marked the completion of his deal with the promotion.
After months of talks about a new contract, they were not able to reach an agreement and Ngannou departed the UFC.
Jake Paul reacts to Francis Ngannou signing with the PFL
Earlier today, PFL announced Francis Ngannou joined the promotion as their biggest signing yet. He’s scheduled to make his debut next year after competing in a pro boxing match targeted for sometime later this year.
Jake Paul, a co-founder of the PFL pay-per-view division, shared his reaction to Ngannou’s joining the PFL roster on Twitter.
“Francis, welcome to the PFL! Everybody, it is official,” said Paul. “This is massive news in MMA. We have some huge fights on the horizon. Congratulations, Francis! You deserve this. The best heavyweight in the world to the PFL and PFL Africa is going to be massive. So excited.”
The baddest man in the planet has officially joined. pic.twitter.com/nfQlh9R4ru
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) May 16, 2023
Paul praised Ngannou for keeping it ‘real’
Social media sensation turned boxer Paul has been making waves in the combat sports world. He racked up a solid win streak in his first six professional bouts and dropped his latest outing to Tommy Fury three months ago. He’s scheduled to take on former UFC superstar Nate Diaz in a boxing match on August 5 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Despite being in the same organization as Paul, ‘The Predator’ extended his support for Diaz to come out on top of the contest. ‘The Problem Child’ lauded Ngannou for staying authentic with his takes.
“I just read that Francis Ngannou has Nate Diaz beating me….that’s why I love him,” said Paul. “We are part of the same company now but he still keeps it real with his opinion.”
I just read that Francis Ngannou has Nate Diaz beating me….that’s why I love him. We are part of the same company now but he still keeps it real with his opinion.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) May 16, 2023
Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul are both under the PFL’s PPV Super Fight division along with former women’s champion Kayla Harrison. Ngannou’s deal with the promotion is unlike any other seen in the history of the sport with lucrative multi-million guarantees for his opponent, sponsors, freedom to compete in boxing, and much more.
