UFC releases NFT collection “Strike”, Heavyweight Champ Ngannou sells token for $284,000

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has released a new NFT collection with Dapper Labs. The collection features images of iconic UFC finishes over the years and is known simply as ‘Strike’.

Recently, current heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou posted himself wearing his NFT on a chain. Ngannous token showcases him in his legendary knockout of Alastair Overeem last 2017. Ngannou posted himself wearing the necklace on Instagram with the caption

“Wearing my Champion Tier knockout Moment from @ufcstrike.”

The fight between Ngannou and Overeem took place on December 2nd at UFC 218, wherein one round Francis landed a devastating uppercut on Overeem; knocking him out cold. To date, this is considered one of, if not, the greatest heavyweight KO in UFC history.

To compensate fighters for this NFT release, those featured in the KO will split the profits 50/50 with the UFC. TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter confirms this in a Twitter post stating:

“Per the UFC, the athletes will receive 50% of the UFC’s share of [the] revenue from NFT sales, including secondary sales. Example: An NFT featuring Ngannou scoring a KO over an opponent is sold, Ngannou and the opponent will split the 50% of the UFC’s share of that sale.”

Francis Ngannou, also known as ‘The Predator’, was one of the first fighters to embrace the NFT craze. He has partnered with BossLogic to design a set of four NFTs, the most expensive one selling for $284,000.

Since he believes that the UFC is not paying him enough, he stated that he will not extend his contract until his pay is increased.

“No. I will not fight for five, six hundred thousand anymore. I mean, it’s over. It’s over. I just did this. I took this [UFC 270] fight just for a personal reason and because I want to make sure that [he sees out his current deal] regardless, even if it’s unfair. I’ve been wrongly treated,” said Ngannou.

Source: Spotskeeda, Media Referee