Ngannou’s decision was questioned by fans and fightersCredit: getty

Ngannou signed a lucrative deal with the Professional Fighters League [PFL] before booking a mega-money clash with boxing superstar Tyson Fury in October.

The 37-year-old shocked the world as he dropped Fury in his boxing debut and came away as an unlucky loser after the judges controversially gave the WBC heavyweight champion a split decision victory.

Regardless of the result, Ngannou was the event’s big winner as he earned tons of credits, a new career in boxing, and a purse worth more than all 14 of his UFC fights combined.

The trickle-down effect of that purse was felt by those around him, including Eric Nicksick, who claims to have received a life-altering payday.

“It was the most money I’ve ever been paid by a fighter – it was unbelievable,” the revered MMA coach told MMA Junkie Radio.

“It was more than I expected. Obviously, Francis has always taken great care of me, but it floored me. When I saw my Wells Fargo account that morning, it literally brought me to tears.

“That’s a true story. Literally brought me to tears because he changed my life – not only from a professional standpoint but a monetary standpoint.

“It allowed me a lot of financial freedom to allow me to be able to enjoy my coaching, enjoy being a dad and a husband and I get to take my kids to Park City this weekend, my daughter’s 16th birthday. Helped us buy a new car.

Ngannou made millions when he almost became the first man to beat FuryCredit: getty

Ngannou’s generosity made Nicksick emotionalCredit: @eric_xcmma – instagram

“There’s a lot of things with Francis moving over to boxing, and the way he takes care of his team. He loves every single one of us and he shows it. He takes care of us, and I couldn’t thank him enough.”

Nicksick, who operated as Ngannou’s chief cornerman in the UFC, noted that he played a secondary role in Ngannou’s fight with Fury as Dewey Cooper led the coaching team in Saudi Arabia.

He added: “Remember, as his head coach, the two title fights with Stipe (Miocic) and (Ciryl) Gane, he paid me more for the Tyson Fury fight as basically his assistant behind Dewey.

“I was behind Dewey, and I got paid way more than I did in the Gane and Stipe fights and he was taking care of me on that, as well, percentage-wise.

“If he wants to box, man, I’m all for it. All day long, brother.”