Born in Cameroon, Francis Ngannou has had a long journey to become one of the top heavyweights in MMA history. "The Predator" hits for power and has used it to strike fear into the hearts of others.
Ngannou traveled to Paris to first train in boxing. However, fate had him meet with Francis Carmont and Fernand Lopez, who introduced him to MMA.
Turning pro in 2013, Ngannou joined the UFC in 2015. Failing to capture the UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in 2018, he won the rematch in 2021. Ngannou later relinquished the belt and left the UFC following failed contract negotiations to join the Professional Fighters League.
Ngannou, 37, finally entered a boxing ring in October 2023, facing WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. In a non-title affair, Ngannou lost via decision, but managed to knock down "The Gypsy King." It was a shocking moment that opened the doors and wallets.
He returns to the ring on March 8 to face former champion Anthony Joshua.
WATCH: Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, exclusively live on DAZN
From working in the sand quarries in Cameroon to earning million-dollar fight deals, Ngannou's story is something to marvel at. The Sporting News looks into how Ngannou has accumulated his fortune and where he stands among the wealthiest and most influential athletes around.
Francis Ngannou's net worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ngannou is worth approximately $15 million. Before the Tyson Fury fight, his net worth was around $5-$7 million.
Francis Ngannou's career earnings
According to The Sports Daily, Ngannou reportedly made somewhere in the region of $22,500 for his UFC debut in 2015. When he took out Alistair Overeem in 2017, he earned $90,000. In 2018, Ngannou earned $500,000 in his first fight against Stipe Miocic, a losing effort for the UFC heavyweight title. Against Derrick Lewis, another loss, he reportedly earned $105,000.
MORE: Francis Ngannou career record and boxing stats
Rebounding against Curtis Blaydes in 2018, Ngannou made $255,000, compared to $26,500 in their first fight in 2016.
In 2021, Ngannou was estimated to have made approximately $580,000 for his UFC 260 rematch against Miocic, whom he beat for the UFC heavyweight title.
Per talkSPORT, Ngannou made roughly $600,000 when he defeated Ciryl Gane to retain the UFC heavyweight title, which was his last fight under the UFC banner.
In his boxing debut, Ngannou reportedly made around $10 million, a career-high payday. Forbes reported that Joshua could make $50 million for this fight, while Ngannou pockets $20 million.
Under his current deal with the PFL, Ngannou will earn a high seven-figure purse for each fight, with a minimum salary (as high as $1 million) for his opponent. He will also appear on the PFL's global advisory board and was named chairman and equity owner of PFL Africa.
Francis Ngannou's endorsements
Ngannou has been endorsed by Gym King Fight Division, CBD Research Labs, Cryo Pain Relief, and The Fight Game.
MORE: Boxing (Fury) vs. MMA (Ngannou): Which punch hits harder
Francis Ngannou’s social media influence
One of the most dynamic MMA fighters, Ngannou has a large social media following, which grew following his boxing debut:
Francis Ngannou charities
Ngannou formed the Francis Ngannou Foundation six years ago.
The goal, per the website, is "to reach extremely low-income, underserved and vulnerable populations, marginalized communities, causes and geographical locations often overlooked by mainstream philanthropy in Cameroon and Africa."