Net Worth Ranker
What Is Francis Ngannou Net Worth?
Francis Ngannou, a Cameroonian mixed martial artist and boxer, has accumulated a net worth of $15 million. This figure reflects his earnings from UFC fights, his venture into professional boxing, his deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and other ventures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 5, 1986, in Batié, Cameroon, Francis Ngannou faced significant hardship early in life. His parents divorced when he was six, leading him to live with his aunt. At the age of 10, he started working in a sand quarry to make money, foregoing a consistent formal education. Despite pressures to join street gangs, he chose to pursue boxing. At 22, Ngannou began training in boxing but had to stop due to illness. He later traveled to Paris, France, to pursue a professional boxing career. After a two-month jail sentence in Spain for illegally crossing the border, he faced homelessness in Paris. Eventually, he was introduced to Cameroonian mixed martial artist Fernand Lopez and the MMA Factory gym, where Lopez provided him with MMA gear, training, and accommodation at no cost. His early struggles shaped his determination to succeed in combat sports.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Career: 2015-2020
Ngannou’s UFC debut was in December 2015 against Luis Henrique, where he won by knockout in the second round. He continued his winning streak with a TKO victory against Curtis Blaydes at UFC Fight Night 86 in April 2016. In July 2016, he defeated Bojan Mihajlović via TKO in the first round. At UFC Fight Night 102 in December 2016, he submitted Anthony Hamilton in the first round, earning his first UFC Performance of the Night bonus. Ngannou’s success continued into early 2017, as he defeated Andrei Arlovski via TKO at UFC on Fox 23, earning his second Performance of the Night bonus. In December 2017, at UFC 218, Ngannou faced Alistair Overeem, winning by knockout in the first round, a victory widely regarded as one of the most brutal in the sport’s history. Following this win, he signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC. Although the specific financial terms of this contract were not disclosed, it was a significant step up from previous contracts given his position as one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division. His momentum slowed with a loss to Stipe Miocic at UFC 220 in early 2018, where Miocic defended the UFC Heavyweight Championship. He also lost to Derrick Lewis at UFC 226 in July 2018. However, he bounced back in November 2018, defeating Curtis Blaydes via TKO at UFC Fight Night 141. In February 2019, Ngannou headlined UFC on ESPN 1, defeating Cain Velasquez via knockout in the first round. In June 2019, he defeated Junior dos Santos at UFC on ESPN 3, earning another Performance of the Night honor. In May 2020, at UFC 249, Ngannou defeated Jairzinho Rozenstruik via knockout in just 20 seconds of the first round.
UFC Heavyweight Champion (2021-2023)
At UFC 260 in March 2021, Ngannou faced Stipe Miocic in a rematch for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. He won via knockout in the second round, also earning a Performance of the Night title. This victory marked a high point in his career, as he finally achieved the status of UFC Heavyweight Champion. Although specific financial details for this fight have not been publicly released, it likely contributed significantly to his net worth. In early 2022, Ngannou fought interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 to determine the undisputed Heavyweight Champion. He won by unanimous decision, marking the first decision win of his career. Despite retaining his title, contract disputes with the UFC led to his departure in 2023.
Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Boxing Career (2023-Present)
In May 2023, Ngannou signed a multi-year exclusive deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). This agreement included equity ownership in the PFL’s Africa league, a 7-figure per-fight guarantee, a share of each fight’s profits, and guarantees that his opponents would earn a minimum of $2 million per fight. The deal also permitted him to compete in other non-MMA sports, such as boxing. While the precise figures for the ownership stake remain undisclosed, the contract terms highlight the significant financial incentive for Ngannou. In July 2023, it was announced that Ngannou would fight Tyson Fury in a professional boxing match in October 2023 in Saudi Arabia. Francis earned $10 million from the fight, which he lost by decision. The payout significantly boosted his financial standing. While Fury’s potential earnings were reportedly around $50 million, Ngannou’s $10 million represents a landmark financial achievement.
Film Career and Personal Life
In 2021, Ngannou made a cameo appearance in the action film “F9.” In 2022, he appeared as himself in the reality comedy film “Jackass Forever.” These appearances likely contributed modestly to his income but also raised his profile beyond the world of combat sports. Ngannou speaks several languages, including Ngemba and French. After joining the UFC, he learned English, which has been essential for his global career. He established the Francis Ngannou Foundation, which runs the first-ever MMA gym in Cameroon. The gym aims to provide a space for young people to train and feel a sense of community. Ngannou’s philanthropic endeavors reflect his commitment to giving back to his home country, particularly to underprivileged youth. The Francis Ngannou Foundation’s MMA gym is located in Batié, Cameroon. While the exact cost to establish and maintain the gym is not publicly known, the facility represents a significant investment in the local community. The gym offers training programs and resources for aspiring athletes, providing them with opportunities that were not available before. The costs associated with running the gym include equipment, staffing, maintenance, and utilities, which are supported by Ngannou’s financial contributions and potential donations.
