Francis Ngannou appears completely indifferent to the criticism over the choices he has made throughout his fighting career.
Ngannou surprisingly parted ways with the promotion in January 2023 despite holding the UFC heavyweight title at the time, following a lengthy and intense dispute with UFC executives over improved pay and greater contractual flexibility.
“The Predator” later signed with the UFC’s rival promotion, the PFL, in May of the same year, securing a lucrative pay structure, the liberty to pursue high-profile boxing matches, and even an equity stake in the company.
Francis Ngannou went on to compete in two major boxing bouts, first suffering a closely contested split decision loss to Tyson Fury in October 2023, before being brutally knocked out by Anthony Joshua in March 2024.
The 39-year-old Cameroonian later returned to the MMA cage under the Professional Fighters League banner in October, where he secured a first-round TKO victory over Renan Ferreira to capture the PFL super heavyweight title.
However, after just one fight with the promotion, Ngannou and the PFL ultimately agreed to go their separate ways. Only days after the announcement, the former UFC and PFL champion was booked for his MMA return against Philipe Lins on May 16 as part of Most Valuable Promotions’ inaugural MMA event on Netflix, which is set to be headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano.
Now, Francis Ngannou is facing growing criticism over how he has managed his fighting career, with several pundits arguing that his recent decisions are damaging the legacy he built inside the cage.
Francis Ngannou Fires Back At Critics, Says He Doesn’t Care About Fighting Legacy
Following the pre-fight press conference for his May 16 bout against Philipe Lins, Francis Ngannou was asked by media members to address the criticism surrounding his fighting legacy. “The Predator” dismissed the concerns outright, making it clear that he has little interest in outside opinions about his career and is far more focused on providing a secure future for his family.
Let me tell you what’s the legacy,” Ngannou said. “My legacy right now, is my kids back home, with my family back home, getting healthcare, getting security, being able to put food on the table, being able to put a roof on their head. That’s a better legacy. You can have the Muhammad Ali legacy or whatever you want.”
Francis Ngannou further emphasized that he will always prioritize what is best for his own interests, arguing that much of the legacy narrative is pushed by fight promotions to manipulate fighters.
If your kid cannot attend the school, he has no place in the society. If your kid doesn’t have food in the stomach, that legacy doesn’t help you for anything. You cannot go to the store or to the gas station, or pay a school fee with a legacy. You have to understand that this is bullsh*t that promotion tricks fighters with, and they’re all out there fighting for legacy. Good for you. Keep your legacy and give me my pay – what I deserve.”
