Francis Ngannou opens about free agency period and signing 'very independent contract' with PFL
Francis Ngannou recently opened up about his free agency period and why he eventually decided to accept a contract to join the PFL.
During his appearance on episode #146 of the JRE MMA Show, the former UFC heavyweight champion described what the talks were like with other promotions. He mentioned that PFL CEO Peter Murray was the first promoter to contact him and noted that he was impressed by his proposal.
He said:
"Couple days after, he made a proposal. I mean, I didn't even ask for anything but when he make a proposal, I look at the structure of that proposal...Everything was being taken in consideration...The way that they structure it, I was already happy, I'm like, 'I think this guy is trying to make me happy'." [0:56 - 1:31]
When asked whether the PFL will be cross-promoting his boxing bouts, Francis Ngannou noted that it will be entirely his decision whether they do so. He mentioned that the PFL has allowed him more freedom with regards to his pursuit of boxing bouts, saying:
"That [PFL cross-promoting boxing bouts] was up to me but they didn't really want to - it's not their expertise - but if they could help in some way or be involved in some way, again, it's up to me. So, very independent contract." [2:24 - 2:42]
It will be interesting to see how Francis Ngannou's PFL deal will change the negotiations for other top stars in the sport when it's time for them to re-negotiate their respective contracts.
Check out the full video:
Francis Ngannou is still hopeful for a fight with Jon Jones
Despite being signed with the PFL, Francis Ngannou is still hopeful that a heavyweight superfight against Jon Jones can materialize.
During the aforementioned appearance, the former UFC heavyweight champion mentioned that he would still like to fight 'Bones', but that it would need to be a cross-promotion between the UFC and PFL. He mentioned that a title would concern him at this point because he believes the fight sells itself, saying:
"To be honest, I don't worry about a title; the title is not what I worry about. I worry about that fight, that challenge, and I wouldn't care if it was a fight without a title...I don't need a UFC title...That fight [against Jon Jones] is bigger than a title." [8:34 - 8:57]
