Francis Ngannou‘s time with the PFL has come to an end. The promotion announced they have officially parted ways with the former UFC heavyweight champion.
PFL had bold aspirations when they signed Ngannou in 2023. He was believed to be the first major signing that would help the promotion become a viable competitor to the UFC. They had absorbed Bellator and its roster, and introduced a Super Fights division.
While Ngannou signed in 2023, he did not debut until the following year. Instead, he faced former heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in boxing matches.
After two boxing bouts, Ngannou made his promotional debut against Renan Ferreira. ‘The Predator’ knocked out the Brazilian in the 1st round to capture the PFL Super Fights heavyweight championship.
Sherdog‘s Mike Pendleton first reported the news that PFL and Ngannou parted ways.
Despite speculation about a title fight against PFL heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov, that never materialized. Ngannou, 39, was not only on the roster but also served as the chairman of PFL Africa.
PFL Releases Statement After Parting Ways with Francis Ngannou
The PFL released an official statement after parting ways with Francis Ngannou. They already went through a shake-up with executives including Peter Murray and Donn Davis, departing.
Now, Ngannou’s departure ends all speculation on his future with the PFL or potential fights. The promotion took to their X account and confirmed the news.
Ngannou leaves the promotion after only one fight. The promotion extended express gratitude toward Ngannou and wished him well in his future endeavors. They also reiterated that they remain focused on improving their roster.
“The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou. We have great respect for Francis as both an athlete and a person, and we wish him success in the next chapter of his combat sports career,” PFL wrote in statement.
They added:
“The PFL remains focused on recruiting and signing the best athletes in the sport while continuing to deliver world-class competition for fans around the globe.”
Could Ngannou Return to the UFC?
GettyUFC 270 heavyweight world champion Cameroon’s Francis Ngannou (C) celebrates victory over France’s Ciryl Gane after their fight for the heavyweight title at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California on January 22, 2022. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Many within the MMA community began to speculate whether Ngannou could return to the UFC. He did not leave the promotion on good terms. Ngannou declined a contract extension, which led to Dana White to publicly criticize him.
Since leaving the UFC, White and Ngannou have shared different accounts of what really transpired. However, ‘The Predator’s free agency could give him an opportunity to repair his relationship with the UFC CEO.
The UFC’s heavyweight division could definitely use a fighter of Ngannou’s caliber. Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall currently remains sidelined while recovering.
Meanwhile, Alex Pereira vacated his light heavyweight title to move up to heavyweight. With a potential fight with Jon Jones looming, the UFC may see this as the right time to add Ngannou to the mix.
A heavyweight title picture with Aspinall, Jones, Pereira, Ngannou, and Ciryl Gane could provide exciting matchups for fans. While appealing options exist, White will ultimately decide whether to offer ‘The Predator’ a deal.
PFL Part Ways with Francis Ngannou