Dana White Doesn’t Understand Why PFL Agreed to Francis Ngannou’s Contract Terms

• UFC President Dana White has hit out at the Professional Fighters League over their new signing
• Francis Ngannou signed an exclusive deal with the PFL and will be a partner plus an athlete
• White thinks Ngannou was eager to duck a fight with Jon Jones for the UFC Heavyweight title

UFC president Dana White doesn’t understand why the Professional Fighters League (PFL) signed Francis Ngannou to such an exclusive deal.

The former UFC champion signed a deal with the MMA organisation, one that makes him more than just an athlete.

As noted by the New York Times, Ngannou signed what has been called a strategic partnership with the PFL and will debut next year in the organisation.

Ngannou will have equity and leadership roles within the MMA company and be allowed to pursue a boxing match as part of his contract.

Ngannou wanted to get into boxing before he got into MMA and hasn’t given up on the deal.

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White confused by PFL deal

The UFC president doesn’t understand why the PFL agreed to Ngannou’s terms and didn’t hold back from making his feelings known.

As noted by Middle Easy, White took aim at Ngannou and the PFL over the deal, saying that it wasn’t a wise decision.

“Based on what I know about the deal, which is not much, it makes no sense to me. I mean, you’re going to pay a guy not to fight for a year, and it’s already been like 18 months. He’s fought three times in the last three years,” he said.

Ngannou dodged Jones fight?

White also believes that Ngannou didn’t want to take the risk of fighting Jon Jones for the UFC Heavyweight title and was happy to get away from a potential bout against him.

“Francis wants to take zero risks, he doesn’t want to take any chances. Obviously, he didn’t want to take a chance with Jon Jones. And after we saw what happened with Ciryl Gane, I don’t blame him. I think the outcome would’ve been the same,” White added.

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Ngannou signs deal with PFL

Francis Ngannou has found a new promotion to fight for.

The former UFC Heavyweight champion was a free agent for four months, with many wondering where he would go next.

Ngannou was stripped of the UFC title in January 2023 after he and the organisation couldn't agree on a new deal and then teased a debut in the boxing ring, Sports Brief previously reported.