In a recent interview, UFC CEO Dana White firmly denied any possibility of former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou returning to the promotion. This statement has sparked speculation among MMA enthusiasts regarding whether “The Predator” regrets his decision to leave the UFC. With White’s clear stance, many are left wondering about Ngannou’s thoughts on his current trajectory in the sport.
Ngannou has shown interest in a potential comeback against Jon Jones at a highly speculated White House card in June. With just one fight left on his contract with the PFL (Professional Fighters League), many fans believe that a return to the UFC could be the most logical next step for the fighter renowned for his striking power and resilience.
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Former UFC Fighter Weighs In
UFC veteran Matt Brown provided insights into Ngannou’s departure from the UFC, suggesting that the fighter likely has no regrets about his career decisions. “Personally, I highly, highly doubt he’s having any regrets,” Brown stated, emphasizing that financial decisions were a significant part of Ngannou’s career path.
Brown believes that the desire to face Jones is more about Ngannou’s competitive spirit rather than financial motivation. “I think that’s the competitor in him speaking out. He wants the Jones fight. I don’t think there’s a single regret,” he explained. In terms of financial gains, Brown pointed out that Ngannou made more money from a single boxing match than he would have accumulated throughout his entire UFC career. This choice underscores Ngannou’s savvy approach to the business of fighting.
Francis Ngannou After Leaving UFC
Since his last appearance in the Octagon, where he defeated Cyril Gane via unanimous decision to retain his heavyweight title, Ngannou has taken on new challenges outside the UFC. Matt Brown also highlighted the significance of “prizefighting,” suggesting that Ngannou made the best possible decisions given the lucrative opportunities presented to him.
In his boxing outings against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, Ngannou reportedly earned substantial amounts, notably cashing in on his fight in PFL where he had the freedom to negotiate his opponents’ million-dollar payouts. With Ngannou approaching 40 in 2026, time is of the essence in his combat sports career. Should he choose to remain in PFL, he could face the current heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov or explore another lucrative boxing match against former WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
Despite the financial success, Brown suggested that these ventures may not enhance Ngannou’s legacy in MMA. “I’m sure he would love to have a better legacy,” he remarked, hinting at the internal conflict between financial stability and the desire for recognition in the sport.
What’s Next for Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou’s last mixed martial arts bout took place against Renan Ferreira at PFL in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October 2024. “The Predator” has also stepped into the boxing ring, making a striking debut against Tyson Fury, a match that many believe he should have won. This bout alone reportedly earned Ngannou $10 million, a figure surpassing his total earnings from his seven-year stint in the UFC.
In his second boxing match, however, Ngannou faced a KO loss in the second round against Anthony Joshua. The fallout from Ngannou’s departure from UFC was public, stemming from disagreements with Dana White over contract terms and treatment of fighters. Ngannou noted that his decision to leave was driven by issues of freedom and fighter conditions and walked away as the champion to sign a lucrative $8 million per fight contract with PFL, which also included potential equity ownership in PFL Africa.
As fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for the former heavyweight champion, one thing remains clear: Ngannou does not express regret regarding his career choices, at least not in financial terms.
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