Francis Ngannou's upcoming rival weighs in on 'The Predator' negotiating $2 million pay for PFL opponents

Renan Ferreira, the upcoming opponent of Francis Ngannou in PFL Super Fights, has expressed his admiration for the former UFC heavyweight champion's negotiation skills.

Ngannou's contract with PFL includes a unique provision that guarantees $2 million purses for each of his opponents, a move that has significantly benefited Ferreira.

Ferreira, who won the 2023 PFL heavyweight season and earned a $1 million bonus, will receive an additional $2 million for his fight against Ngannou. He praised Ngannou for his efforts to secure better opportunities for himself and his opponents, highlighting his respect for the Cameroonian fighter.

Ferreira said:

“My respect for him has only grown because of him seeking better opportunities for not only him as an athlete. Not only for gaining space in the boxing scene as well, which we know is hard for MMA fighters to do that — although he didn’t have a good performance in his last fight [vs. Anthony Joshua] — but it was enormous of him to say that his opponent should be valued as well. It was very nice of him.” [H/t: MMA fighting]

---

Francis Ngannou wants to fight in honor of his late son

Francis Ngannou has revealed that he considered retirement following the tragic loss of his young son earlier this year. However, the Cameroonian fighter has decided to continue his MMA career as a way to honor his son's memory.

Ngannou, who will make his debut in the PFL against Renan Ferreira on Oct. 19, shared his decision during a press conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He explained that fighting has become a new purpose for him and that he wants to make his son proud.

"Fighting for me is a lifestyle. I questioned myself if I should continue or retire, but I didn’t want my son to be the reason for me to do that....I think this is the best way of honouring him"

Check out Francis Ngannou's comments below:

The 37-year-old fighter has a long and successful MMA career, with 17 wins and 12 knockouts in 20 bouts. He is eager to make a strong return to the sport and prove himself in the PFL.