Cameroonian mixed martial artist Francis Nganou, who competes in the heavyweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is considering joining a growing list of sports stars who get paid in bitcoin.
a bitcoin believer
The UFC champion revealed on Friday that he is a bitcoin believer and is discussing the leading cryptocurrency with his family and friends. Ngannou also said that he is quite optimistic about the future of bitcoin, and is therefore considering moving half of his earnings from the next fight to the digital asset.
Was talking with his family and friends in the crypto space. #bitcoin It’s huge in Africa and I’m thinking of getting half my fight purse in it. bitcoin is the future and i’m a believer @ufc #ufc270
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) 14 January 2022
Next Battle of Ngannou
The UFC Heavyweight Champion will face French mixed martial artist Cyril Gain in the title unifier at UFC 270 on January 22, 2022.
As the defending champion, Ngannou holds the world record for the hardest punch ever. He earns between $500k to $600k per match including all kinds of bonuses. This would mean that if the fighter goes ahead with his decision to accept part of his next fight wallet in bitcoin, he will receive around $250k to $300k in BTC.
Interestingly, paying Nganou via bitcoin will not be a problem for the UFC as the company has an existing sponsorship deal with popular crypto exchange Cryptocom. The collaboration, valued at approximately $175 million, will last for ten years, with Exchange’s logo appearing on the fight kit used during all UFC fights.
Meanwhile, Ngannou notes that his fight against Gane could be his last fight for the UFC as his contract with the company has expired, and he doesn’t want to pursue it due to unreasonable pay. The 35-year-old fighter said he is ready to sign a new deal with a boxing option for a higher salary.
bitcoin pay
Sporting athletes are showing interest in bitcoin and crypto in general. Ngannou will not be the first sports star to receive his salary via BTC.
Last November, American football star Odell Beckham Jr. announced a partnership agreement with Cash App to receive his $4.25 million salary for the 2021-2022 NFL season in bitcoin.
Featured image courtesy of mmafighting
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