Legacy? Not at all! Francis Ngannou drops the demagoguery when negotiating his return to MMA: 'Give me my paycheck'

Francis Ngannou in his second boxing match. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@francisngannou

One of the leading names in MMA who doesn't have commercial ties with the UFC, Francis Ngannou has never hidden his desire to rise financially like the great stars of world boxing. Even against the wishes of names like Dana White and Donn Davis, the Predator succeeded in his endeavor and, to do so, he had to be unyielding in the meeting rooms. In an interview with the Fight Hype channel on YouTube last Tuesday (11), he showed his annoyance with the way the legacy of fighters becomes a trick in the midst of many negotiations.

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Ngannou emphatically dismissed the legacy discussion as demagoguery created by event promoters to justify low payments to athletes. For him, the issue cannot be an obstacle to achieving salary increases.

“You can’t go to the store and pay with the legacy. That’s a joke that these promotions give to the fighters, that they’re fighting for the legacy. Good for you. Keep the legacy, give me my payment,” the Cameroonian stated.

Francis Ngannou fired back at critics claiming he ruined his legacy after the UFC:

“You can't go to the store and pay with legacy. This is bullsh*t promotions feed fighters, that they're fighting for legacy. Good for you. Keep the legacy, give me my pay.” 😳

(via @fighthype ) pic.twitter.com/6aUJZkgBXa

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 11, 2026

Francis Ngannou doesn't get along with Dana White.

Dana White poses next to Francis Ngannou . Photo: Reproduction/@francis_ngannou

The last few years of Francis Ngannou 's career have been consistent with the fighter's assertion. As heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg), he managed to break free from his UFC contract and become a free agent, citing low pay and a lack of freedom to compete in other disciplines. This was the first time since the end of Pride FC that something like this has happened.

Later, the Cameroonian signed a contract with the PFL, but only had one MMA fight there, knocking out Renan Problema in the first round and becoming champion. However, his financial life changed dramatically thanks to two boxing matches against legends Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Now, once again as a free agent, he competes against Philipe Monstro in the first Mixed Martial Arts card broadcast on Netflix.

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