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Israel Adesanya is excited about what Francis Nganu’s huge new contract with the Professional Fighters’ League (PFL) means for the future. Not only has “The Predator” scored big in his free agency, but many of his other demands have been met. For example, Ngannou will help develop PFL Africa, is free to pursue his boxing dreams, and has set a guaranteed minimum for his opponents.
All of this is somewhat unprecedented, which is what happens when a heavyweight champ walks through at the peak of his power! “Stylebender” is a longtime friend of Ngannou’s, and has described himself as “excited” about Ngannou’s new path with the PFL.
“It’s good news. It’s good for the game, I think,” said Adesanya his YouTube channel (via MMA junkie). “What I really liked is how he guarantees his opponent a million. That’s cool. What he’s doing with PFL Africa… you can really see the potential. PFL Africa, and Francis has a seat on the board or at the table.”
“That thing about his opponent is guaranteed a million, how many fighters are going to be like, ‘Okay, I need to get to the PFL. I want to fight Francis, “because now Francis is the guy, fight the money. That’s another twist that I like.”
Furthermore, Adesanya is curious as to what other consequences Ngannou’s move might have on MMA and the UFC. He expects the promotion will have to make some kind of adjustment in response. Perhaps the UFC will act differently in the next big free agency negotiations, or go after the bigger names in other promotions more?
“I think the UFC, they’re not stupid,” said Adesanya. “They’re going to pay attention. They know how to adapt, and when something like that happens in another field, it creates a huge ripple in the game, and a big enough ripple can force the UFC to change the way — even like a small change.”
“…this is a big movement,” Adesanya concluded. “It causes a ripple that forces change.”
insomnia
How does everyone feel about the return of the BMF belt?
Speaking of BMF belts, I enjoy this subtle rendition from the ultimate player, Rafael dos Anjos.
I forgot to mention that I became a champion and defended the gap successfully. But I think to fight for the BMF title you can’t be a champion or ex-champion. https://t.co/i3WBNt6Fej
– Rafael Dos Anjos (RdosAnjosMMA) May 17, 2023
Good to see Ian Jarry and Daniel Rodriguez friendly after the pre-promotion.
Makes sense to me!
I really appreciate the fact that the hardcore MMA community – by and large – can care less about the numbers on one’s record. Fight fans are still happy to rally behind Matt Brown, Michael Johnson, or even someone like Marlon Vera, a current eight-time losing competitor. It’s rad!
Professional kickboxer vs. the big guy who can’t seem to feel pain – my money’s with Nzechukwu!
I read “Saitama Super Arena” and got excited right away.
According to reports, RIZIN may soon announce a “Summer Fight Festival” in July at Saitama Super Arena in stadium mode (40k size). One of the main (if not the main) fights will be Kai Asakura vs. Juan Archuleta for the BW title. pic.twitter.com/kPE02TvmlJ
– Daniel Dziubicki Polish Hammer (Dziubicki) May 18, 2023
Slips, rips, and KO clips
It takes real courage to go to the armbar in MMA. It’s very easy to lose a position if a serve fails, whether that means dropping back or passing a keeper.
A tale as old as time.
Street fighter entered the gym, and demanded to fight the trainer. They had him join in sparring with Talib instead. I’m not sure this is the best way to handle things anymore, but if you walk into a gym asking to fight… pic.twitter.com/MwofhESciZ
– TP Grant (TP_Grant) May 18, 2023
Good defense kick, nice knee to the gut!
random land
Mercedes development:
Midnight Music: Indie, 2020
Sleep well lunatics! More martial arts craze is always on the way.