Francis Ngannou Reveals ‘Boiling Point’ That Led to Bruised Ego and Exit From the UFC

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou reveals the major reasons that influenced his exit from the UFC.

Francis Ngannou Reveals ‘Boiling Point’ That Led to Bruised Ego and Exit From the UFC

Francis Ngannou reveals reason for leaving the UFC (via Instagram)

In Short
  • Francis Ngannou left the UFC in early 2023 after contract negotiations stalled following his title defense.
  • He cited feeling disrespected and that the UFC "hit his ego" as key reasons for his departure.
  • Ngannou signed a lucrative two-fight contract with PFL worth $8 million per bout, plus bonuses.

Francis Ngannou was regarded as one of the most frightening fighters in UFC history. His knockout power produced highlight finishes against Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Alistair Overeem during his rise. Despite this dominance, he left the promotion after only one title defense. As he prepares for his return under the MVP MMA banner, Ngannou has revealed the reasons for leaving the UFC.

Ngannou left the UFC in early 2023 after his contract expired without a new agreement. He became the heavyweight champion by defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 in 2021. He then defended the title once against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in 2022. After that bout, contract talks with the UFC stalled over long-term terms and conditions. His exit was finalized when both sides failed to reach an extension agreement.

The Cameroonian star then signed with the PFL under a two-fight contract worth $8 million per bout, plus a seven-figure signing bonus and a PPV revenue share. He has since moved on and is preparing to return under MVP MMA after nearly two years away from the cage. He is now scheduled to face Philippe Lins in his comeback. However, Ngannou recently revealed how contractual limitations were key in his UFC exit.

It wasn’t money. I think the mistake that the UFC did; we get to the point where I feel like they hit my ego. I felt like I wasn’t respected at that point. I think that was the moment that I’m like, ‘Ok, I think I’m getting out of this contract.’ The thing is like, and this is something that really worries me. Something that I have that really worries me, when something touches my ego, I don’t care about anything. At times, I’m like, ‘I don’t care if this is going to be the end of my career.’

Francis Ngannou via The DC Show

One of the biggest reasons for Ngannou’s UFC exit was compensation and fighter pay concerns. He was vocal about what he viewed as low payouts in the UFC compared to other combat sports. Ngannou often compared purses in MMA with those in boxing. He argued that top fighters deserved better financial security and contracts. ‘The Predator’ also aligned with Jake Paul’s views on fighter pay and protections.

These comments from Ngannou come as his rivalry with the UFC and its top brass has resurfaced again. UFC CEO Dana White claimed the former champion confronted him, demanding $50,000 in bonuses and private jet perks.

White also stated that he wanted to cut ‘The Predator’ from the promotion long ago. Ngannou later responded by asking White for proof and admitted he was tired of constantly defending himself.

Francis Ngannou remains one of the first fighters to openly rebel against the UFC’s structure and policies. His public stance helped bring wider attention to debates surrounding low fighter compensation in MMA. Although he has expressed interest in eventually returning to the UFC, his current focus remains elsewhere. ‘The Predator’ is now preparing for his MVP MMA debut on May 16 at the Intuit Dome.

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Francis Ngannou reveals the struggles he had to go through to chase boxing dreams

Francis Ngannou endured major struggles growing up in poverty in Cameroon during his childhood years. At just 10 years old, he worked in local sand mines to help his family survive financially. Determined to become a boxer, Ngannou later moved to Paris before joining MMA Factory under Fernand Lopez. After living a homeless life in France for a time, he gradually rose through European MMA circles.

Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou (via X)

Ngannou has often spoken about his rise from poverty to becoming one of MMA’s biggest heavyweight stars. Despite fighting rarely in recent years, he remains among combat sports’ most recognizable names. The former UFC heavyweight champion reportedly has a net worth of around $15 million. Ngannou recently discussed his struggles chasing a boxing career with UFC legend Daniel Cormier.

From Cameroon to Paris, that was a journey of 14 months. (I got arrested) a lot of times, that was our life. You come to a different country, and then they get to know that you are illegal, they will chase you day and night. They recognize you from your accent and know that you are different.

Francis Ngannou via The DC Show

The Cameroonian star undoubtedly fulfilled his dream of boxing by sharing the ring with former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. However, he is still searching for his first professional boxing victory. Ngannou suffered a knockout loss against Anthony Joshua during his last outing in the squared circle. Now 39 years old, Francis Ngannou faces growing pressure as time slowly runs away in his career.

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