Chael Sonnen: Francis Ngannou could learn something from Jorge Masvidal, who ‘knows how to get the money’

Chael Sonnen: Francis Ngannou could learn something from Jorge Masvidal, who ‘knows how to get the money’

Chael Sonnen thinks Francis Ngannou should follow Jorge Masvidal’s lead when it comes to getting paid.

Heavyweight champion Ngannou (17-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC) is currently in a contract dispute with the UFC, leaving his future with the promotion uncertain after he retained his title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January.

Although Ngannou claims that his concerns are more about freedom than money, Sonnen says Masvidal (35-15 MMA, 12-8 UFC) is one of the fighters who has best figured out how to promote himself, and Ngannou should take a page out of his book.

“What can Deiveson Figueiredo, Brandon Moreno, and Francis Ngannou learn from Jorge Masvidal? Well, you have three guys that are complaining they’re not getting enough money, and you have one guy who’s never said the word ‘money’ – Jorge Masvidal,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “Jorge Masvidal is bringing attention to his fight successfully. Do you know what it costs to post something on Twitter? Do you know how cheap and inexpensive that is?”

Sonnen is referring to the video Masvidal recently posted on his social media, where he sheds light on his past friendship with Colby Covington (16-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) and attempts to expose his former teammate for changing his character over the years.

“Everybody unhappy in their contract, everybody who thinks they should be getting more money, and everybody who’s talking about money needs to follow the lead of the guy who’s not,” Sonnen added. “When was the last interview you saw where Masvidal said he needed more money? How about never, and it’s not because all of a sudden, Masvidal lives some minimal lifestyle. It’s not as though Masvidal is not a prizefighter, as well. Masvidal knows how to get the money.”

Masvidal’s drawing power is proven. The former two-time title challenger is about to headline his second non-title UFC pay-per-view event when he meets best friend-turned foe Covington at UFC 272 on March 5.