Francis Ngannou`s decision to walk away from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) while holding the heavyweight title sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts world. It was a move almost unprecedented for a champion in his prime, opting out of potentially lucrative fights and the sport`s largest platform to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Two years on, the debate continues: did “The Predator” make the right choice? Or did his high-stakes gamble, while securing staggering financial gains, come at the cost of his standing in the annals of combat sports history?
The financial argument for Ngannou`s departure is, frankly, undeniable. His crossover boxing matches against giants like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua guaranteed paydays that dwarfed anything the UFC could realistically offer him, even for blockbuster title defenses. As UFC veteran Matt Brown recently pointed out, Ngannou likely earned more from those two boxing outings than he might have accumulated over a decade fighting within the UFC structure. In the often-unforgiving world of “prize fighting,” he chased and secured the ultimate prize: immense wealth. From a purely economic perspective, the mission was accomplished with resounding success.
However, money is but one metric. The other major talking point revolves around legacy. In leaving the UFC, Ngannou stepped off the main stage of competitive MMA. While he eventually signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and had one fight there, his absence from the UFC heavyweight picture has been palpable. The division moved on, crowns changed hands, and the “what ifs” surrounding potential super-fights (like against Jon Jones) faded into the realm of fantasy.
Matt Brown contends that Ngannou`s legacy within the context of MMA has been “tremendously damaged.” The narrative shifted, particularly after suffering a decisive knockout loss to Anthony Joshua following a more competitive (albeit decided) fight against Fury. The perception of Ngannou, once seen as an almost mythical force of nature, was altered. He was, perhaps unfairly, “humanized” by these boxing results. The once-regular discussion about his place among the all-time heavyweight greats in MMA quieted significantly after he prioritized boxing.
It`s easy to look back with the benefit of hindsight. Before the Joshua fight, especially after the surprising performance against Fury, the move seemed like a brilliant maneuver – leveraging MMA fame for boxing riches while maintaining high combat sports credibility. It was only after the losses that the “mistake” narrative gained significant traction.
Yet, Ngannou`s motivation might have extended beyond just the bottom line. The principle of feeling undervalued or like a mere “cog in the wheel” within the UFC`s rigid structure likely played a significant role. His desire for more control, a fairer share of the revenue generated by his star power, and the freedom to pursue diverse combat sports ventures were central to his decision to leave. He sought to be a partner, not just an employee, and found that autonomy outside the UFC.
Ultimately, analyzing Ngannou`s departure requires acknowledging the possibility that two seemingly contradictory things can be simultaneously true. He secured a financial future few fighters ever achieve, effectively “winning” the money aspect of his gamble. At the same time, his absence from the sport`s premier organization and the results of his boxing foray have arguably shifted the conversation around his MMA legacy, diminishing his immediate relevance in that sphere. But as Brown dryly noted, if Ngannou is content with his considerable fortune, external opinions about his legacy might matter very little to him. It`s a difficult position to be in, perhaps, but one most people wouldn`t mind navigating.
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley