Ngannou’s Coach Blasts The Promo For His Fighter’s PFL Debut

Francis Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, had plenty to say about his fighter’s upcoming bout with Renan Ferreira on October 19. 

It would be the first fight that Ngannou has had since leaving the UFC after knocking out Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. He left the UFC on bad terms after contract talks broke down. Reports indicated that he rejected an $8 million offer, with suggestions that he was worried about his rights as an independent contractor being infringed. He would subsequently sign with the PFL, where he would take up two boxing bouts. He dropped Tyson Fury on his boxing debut, taking the WBC Heavyweight Champion to the final bell.

While he lost a split decision, many felt that he had done enough to win. He ended up getting a top-ten ranking from the WBC. He would later box Anthony Joshua. However, the Joshua fight was not as successful as he was knocked out in the second round. Ngannou then announced the tragic passing of his 15-month-old son, Kobe, which raised question marks over whether he would fight again. He was also recently confirmed as Chairman of PFL Africa, as the playoffs will start next year.

But then it was announced that he would take on Ferreira, who defeated Ryan Bader on the PFL vs. Bellator Champs card this year. It was a historic fight since fans would be seeing Ngannou fight in MMA for the first time in around two years. While it is a historic occasion, his coach felt the promotion was not up to scratch. He had plenty of words to say about it, especially since a title was on the line.

Nicksick Reacts

“I literally forgot we’re, let’s say forgot we’re fighting for a title. But it’s like, oh we get another title fight, you know. You think of a five- rounder or whatever else, it’s like that’s how much it hasn’t been promoted. Like, we know, it’s a title fight in the back of my mind, but I had to like, reassure we’re fighting for a title here. You know, it’s like I feel the same way- it’s like I want to hear that more rather than like these two giants fighting. This is for the PFL title, you know. This is huge man, so I don’t know man, I just wish it was promoted a little bit better too,” Nicksick said 

Ngannou is not the only person who has hit out at the PFL. Kayla Harrison recently responded to the organization by posting a video of in the run-up for the Ngannou-Ferreira fight. Larissa Pacheco will also feature on the card as she will take on Cris Cyborg. The PFL decided to share a video of Pacheco defeating Harrison in their last fight as part of the build-up.

Harrison On The PFL

While Kayla won the first two of their bouts, she ultimately lost the third one. The video was released just before Harrison took on Ketlen Vieira for UFC 307. It was seen as a dig by the PFL, as Dana White hit out at the company for losing money. Pacheco was also critical of the PFL’s video of Harrison, and Kayla had her say now. 

“I operate from a place of gratitude, and I grew up in that organization. I was able to financially provide for my family. [And] I have financial abundance. I grew so much there. I’m grateful for what I believe I helped build over there. I feel like I was a big part of that, and I take pride in that. But I just don’t have time for that kind of negativity and those digs. I don’t care. I’m staying in my lane. [And] I’m doing my thing. I’m chasing my dreams,” Harrison stated 

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