Ngannou's inspirational journey from the sand mines to the fighting ring is a powerful story ...However, his current association with Saudi Arabia places a shadow over this narrative. In fact puts a question mark over the integrity of his advocacy for migrants and human rights. Given the significant payouts involved, the ethical dilemma is undoubtedly complicated for Francis...or not!
Agreed, Shafiur. The integrity of his advocacy is very much in question now. I do have a hunch his contract also includes a non-disparagement clause so his silence may already have been bought anyhow.
I appreciate your work Karim, but this is troubling framing. The idea that the integrity of his advocacy is in question or that the plight of migrants does not matter to him is harsh. The fact of the matter is combat sports has been captured by sportswashing regimes. Laying it at the feet of individual athletes rather than critiquing on a macro scale is also problematic. It's like criticising the players competing at the World Cup in Qatar. Individual athletes can decide not to compete in certain countries because of human rights abuses but that would also take organising on a larger level (like BDS). This isn't a situation like individual fighters being paid by Kadyrov which they can easily refuse, this is a boxing bout taking place in Saudi Arabia as many others are held. Should UFC fighters also refuse to participate in fights in the UAE or even in the USA? To my understanding, Ngannou isn't an ambassador like Messi, he's co-promoting the fight. Unless I missed something in your article in which case in which case you can tell me otherwise.
Hi Ben, thank you for your response. Here are my thoughts:
Why can't we do both? Why can't we hold athletes like Ngannou and Jordan Henderson accountable, especially when their brands are closely associated with their activism, while also emphasizing the macro issues (which I regularly do)? The truth is while much of the sportswashing and soft power at play cannot be addressed at an individual level, Saudi's major success has been in its ability to silence athletes and shower them with money that blindsides their morals. This is exactly what happened with Henderson and why he was criticized by fans and media alike. The fact is he let his supporters down. Ngannou, an African migrant who regularly spoke out against migrant abuse, is now silent about the migrant abuses taking place in Saudi because of his massive payday. I find this to be alarming.
Also, Ngannou is officially partnering with Saudi's General Entertainment Authority and Tourism Ministry to promote this fight. He may not be an official "ambassador" but he is being paid to promote Saudi tourism while Saudis kill other African migrants.
You make some good points Karim. I think your other comment about MMA fans being protective of Francis is probably true. But I do want to draw a distinction in the case of Henderson and footballers in general making moves to Saudi Arabia with Francis' here. Footballers like Henderson have already made generational wealth and have plenty of options as to where to ply their trade. The pickings are quite slimmer for MMA fighters/combat sports athletes, especially given the recent news that Saudi Arabia has bought a stake in the PFL. We'll never know the extent to which Ngannou was involved/responsible for the decision to fight in Saudi Arabia but it's probably the case that the fight would not be taking place at all if it wasn't being held there because Fury would have little incentive to take the fight without that guaranteed payday. Maybe this is bordering on apologia on my part, but the phrase no ethical consumption under capitalism certainly seems to fit the bill. If Ngannou wants to continue pursuing his dreams of boxing or fighting at a high level, he will have to be in business with these bad actors which is quite unfortunate. However, it is important to continue to bring up these topics and very few are willing to write these important stories.
Karim while I adore your work, I find this target rests uneasy with me as Francis is potentially taking down the biggest bully in the fight game and he can’t do everything all at once. Some focus is required and it makes strange bedfellows for certain.
Thanks for the feedback, Patrick. However, I don't agree. Ngannou had already changed the free agency market in MMA when he took the PFL deal. He had already won against the bully you're referencing. Taking the money from Saudi Arabia, at the expense of his own advocacy and morals, is questionable at best.
I understand why MMA fans are protective of Ngannou. However, I think he should be scrutinized to the same degree as any other athlete who takes Saudi's offer, especially when that athlete has been outspoken about human rights in the past.
Brother you keeping doing you. We need you repping this perspective. No love lost. I did perceive everything you put out prior and I knowingly turned a blind eye. To fulfil his dream of getting Fury I suspect it took a Saudi sized bag to finagle it so I forgive Francis that as he’s the chief thumb in the eye of the Bald One.
The mainstream media is coming for Francis now. If he fights in Saudi Arabia, he, a black African immigrant, is responsible for the human rights abuses at their fucking border. As if him coming to America and fighting here in Trumps UFC made him responsible for the kids permanently severed from their families. Class enemies come dressed as allies.
My Substack is not "mainstream media" but I appreciate the sentiment. Also, Ngannou is the one who personally made it a point to advocate for African migrants, as he has that lived experience. However, he has now chosen to partner with a kingdom that is targeting African migrants, placing him in a situation that puts his previous advocacy in question.
Francis is advocating for fighters rights and himself too. He came to the united states which has more black men locked in prison than have probably ever visited Saudi Arabia ever. This is a pure sanctimonious hit piece.
I've enjoyed your work for years. I got to feel like an expert on players in the Ukrainian war because of your reporting on Kadyrov from wayback was wayback, you did good kid. You did good.
But, now you featured in the NYT. Now you saying "Francis is responsible for Saudi Arabian human rights abuses because, he too, is an immigrant" and I'm not biting that level of shitlibbery. On the topic of placing previous advocacy in question...
You're obviously entitled to your opinion. However, just note that comparing Ngannou fighting in the US to the Saudi stuff is false equivalence. Ngannou is partnering with the Saudi government officially for his Fury fight, very different to competing for MMA organizations that are not state-owned.
I also never suggested he was "responsible" for Saudi's human rights abuses. I said that his silence here speaks volumes about Saudi's ability to silence potential critics and control global narratives. He spoke out about migrant deaths in Spain in 24 hours. Been 10 days and he still hasn't said a word about the mass murders in Saudi. That is significant.
I get that you are a Ngannou fan and stand with him in his fight against the UFC. Nevertheless, we should be able to look at these uncomfortable truths as well without questioning my integrity, which you did by calling this a hit piece.
The Saudi's are showing that the vast majority of people will compromise values for a pot of gold. I have no issue with people who have never expressed a view on Saudi, but those who have or have expressed views on topics which relate to Saudi like human rights etc and then take the money have no self respect (but they do have lots of money).
For me, I wasn’t buying their pay-per-view anyway so none of the parties involved for getting my money. I do think it’s sad but I mean Francis whored himself out for the Saudi money. It’s what he wanted. I’m happy that this is out there but it seems like athletes will whore themselves out for Saudi money. It’s just too lucrative and if you hold them accountable your replies are either deleted or they just say you hating.
Ngannou's inspirational journey from the sand mines to the fighting ring is a powerful story ...However, his current association with Saudi Arabia places a shadow over this narrative. In fact puts a question mark over the integrity of his advocacy for migrants and human rights. Given the significant payouts involved, the ethical dilemma is undoubtedly complicated for Francis...or not!
Agreed, Shafiur. The integrity of his advocacy is very much in question now. I do have a hunch his contract also includes a non-disparagement clause so his silence may already have been bought anyhow.
I appreciate your work Karim, but this is troubling framing. The idea that the integrity of his advocacy is in question or that the plight of migrants does not matter to him is harsh. The fact of the matter is combat sports has been captured by sportswashing regimes. Laying it at the feet of individual athletes rather than critiquing on a macro scale is also problematic. It's like criticising the players competing at the World Cup in Qatar. Individual athletes can decide not to compete in certain countries because of human rights abuses but that would also take organising on a larger level (like BDS). This isn't a situation like individual fighters being paid by Kadyrov which they can easily refuse, this is a boxing bout taking place in Saudi Arabia as many others are held. Should UFC fighters also refuse to participate in fights in the UAE or even in the USA? To my understanding, Ngannou isn't an ambassador like Messi, he's co-promoting the fight. Unless I missed something in your article in which case in which case you can tell me otherwise.
Hi Ben, thank you for your response. Here are my thoughts:
Why can't we do both? Why can't we hold athletes like Ngannou and Jordan Henderson accountable, especially when their brands are closely associated with their activism, while also emphasizing the macro issues (which I regularly do)? The truth is while much of the sportswashing and soft power at play cannot be addressed at an individual level, Saudi's major success has been in its ability to silence athletes and shower them with money that blindsides their morals. This is exactly what happened with Henderson and why he was criticized by fans and media alike. The fact is he let his supporters down. Ngannou, an African migrant who regularly spoke out against migrant abuse, is now silent about the migrant abuses taking place in Saudi because of his massive payday. I find this to be alarming.
Also, Ngannou is officially partnering with Saudi's General Entertainment Authority and Tourism Ministry to promote this fight. He may not be an official "ambassador" but he is being paid to promote Saudi tourism while Saudis kill other African migrants.
You make some good points Karim. I think your other comment about MMA fans being protective of Francis is probably true. But I do want to draw a distinction in the case of Henderson and footballers in general making moves to Saudi Arabia with Francis' here. Footballers like Henderson have already made generational wealth and have plenty of options as to where to ply their trade. The pickings are quite slimmer for MMA fighters/combat sports athletes, especially given the recent news that Saudi Arabia has bought a stake in the PFL. We'll never know the extent to which Ngannou was involved/responsible for the decision to fight in Saudi Arabia but it's probably the case that the fight would not be taking place at all if it wasn't being held there because Fury would have little incentive to take the fight without that guaranteed payday. Maybe this is bordering on apologia on my part, but the phrase no ethical consumption under capitalism certainly seems to fit the bill. If Ngannou wants to continue pursuing his dreams of boxing or fighting at a high level, he will have to be in business with these bad actors which is quite unfortunate. However, it is important to continue to bring up these topics and very few are willing to write these important stories.
Karim while I adore your work, I find this target rests uneasy with me as Francis is potentially taking down the biggest bully in the fight game and he can’t do everything all at once. Some focus is required and it makes strange bedfellows for certain.
Thanks for the feedback, Patrick. However, I don't agree. Ngannou had already changed the free agency market in MMA when he took the PFL deal. He had already won against the bully you're referencing. Taking the money from Saudi Arabia, at the expense of his own advocacy and morals, is questionable at best.
I understand why MMA fans are protective of Ngannou. However, I think he should be scrutinized to the same degree as any other athlete who takes Saudi's offer, especially when that athlete has been outspoken about human rights in the past.
Appreciate your support as always!
Brother you keeping doing you. We need you repping this perspective. No love lost. I did perceive everything you put out prior and I knowingly turned a blind eye. To fulfil his dream of getting Fury I suspect it took a Saudi sized bag to finagle it so I forgive Francis that as he’s the chief thumb in the eye of the Bald One.
The mainstream media is coming for Francis now. If he fights in Saudi Arabia, he, a black African immigrant, is responsible for the human rights abuses at their fucking border. As if him coming to America and fighting here in Trumps UFC made him responsible for the kids permanently severed from their families. Class enemies come dressed as allies.
My Substack is not "mainstream media" but I appreciate the sentiment. Also, Ngannou is the one who personally made it a point to advocate for African migrants, as he has that lived experience. However, he has now chosen to partner with a kingdom that is targeting African migrants, placing him in a situation that puts his previous advocacy in question.
Francis is advocating for fighters rights and himself too. He came to the united states which has more black men locked in prison than have probably ever visited Saudi Arabia ever. This is a pure sanctimonious hit piece.
I've enjoyed your work for years. I got to feel like an expert on players in the Ukrainian war because of your reporting on Kadyrov from wayback was wayback, you did good kid. You did good.
But, now you featured in the NYT. Now you saying "Francis is responsible for Saudi Arabian human rights abuses because, he too, is an immigrant" and I'm not biting that level of shitlibbery. On the topic of placing previous advocacy in question...
You're obviously entitled to your opinion. However, just note that comparing Ngannou fighting in the US to the Saudi stuff is false equivalence. Ngannou is partnering with the Saudi government officially for his Fury fight, very different to competing for MMA organizations that are not state-owned.
I also never suggested he was "responsible" for Saudi's human rights abuses. I said that his silence here speaks volumes about Saudi's ability to silence potential critics and control global narratives. He spoke out about migrant deaths in Spain in 24 hours. Been 10 days and he still hasn't said a word about the mass murders in Saudi. That is significant.
I get that you are a Ngannou fan and stand with him in his fight against the UFC. Nevertheless, we should be able to look at these uncomfortable truths as well without questioning my integrity, which you did by calling this a hit piece.
The Saudi's are showing that the vast majority of people will compromise values for a pot of gold. I have no issue with people who have never expressed a view on Saudi, but those who have or have expressed views on topics which relate to Saudi like human rights etc and then take the money have no self respect (but they do have lots of money).
For me, I wasn’t buying their pay-per-view anyway so none of the parties involved for getting my money. I do think it’s sad but I mean Francis whored himself out for the Saudi money. It’s what he wanted. I’m happy that this is out there but it seems like athletes will whore themselves out for Saudi money. It’s just too lucrative and if you hold them accountable your replies are either deleted or they just say you hating.