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 appearance. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@francisngannou

One of the biggest names in MMA who doesn't have commercial ties with the UFC, Francis Ngannou He never hid 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 himself bothered by the way the legacy of fighters becomes a ruse 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

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The final years of his career Francis Ngannou They have been consistent with the fighter's statement. As heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg), he managed to break free from his contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and become a free agent, citing low wages and a lack of freedom to compete in other sports. 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 his opponent. Renan Problem in the first round and becoming champion. However, his financial life changed dramatically due to two boxing matches against legends. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Now, once again as a free agent, he competes against Philipe Monster in the first Mixed Martial Arts card broadcast on Netflix.