Former UFC Heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has signed a multi-fight contract with the Professional Fighter’s League (PFL).
The 36 year old is expected to make his debut for the promotion in 2024, however could still be in line to set up a professional boxing match sometime later this year. Unlike the UFC, the PFL allows its fighters to take part in non-PFL related bouts so long as they fulfil their contractual obligations. The promotion also allows up to a 50% split of PPV revenue as well.
In a prepared statement, PFL CEO Peter Murray remarked “Ngannou will anchor the PFL’s star-studded PPV Super Fight Division, serve on PFL’s Global Athlete Advisory Board and will be a Chairman and equity owner in PFL Africa.”
Since losing back to back decisions vs. Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis back in 2018, Ngannou has torn through the heavyweight ranks, including a streak of 5 stoppages via either KO or TKO from November 24th 2018 to March 27th 2021.
Despite his success in the UFC, Ngannou and Dana White had long been at an impasse due to his contract. Following a year of failed negotiations, the UFC president announced in January that the promotion was moving on from the heavyweight king.
Because of a knee injury, Ngannou sat out all of 2022 as he recovered from his final bout vs. Ciryl Gane. In the months following his departure, Jon “Bones” Jones has since claimed the vacated UFC heavyweight title.
While Ngannou’s opponent for his PFL debut has yet to be determined, rumours of a boxing match vs. the likes of Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury have begun to resurface once more. The Cameroonian born fighter has long been angling for a high profile boxing match, which was also a sticking point in his negotiations with the UFC on a new deal.
Whether this cross promotion boxing match ultimately materializes or not remains to be seen. However, fight fans can rest assured that the No. 1 heavyweight in the world will be making his return to MMA sooner rather than later.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner
Photo: PFLmma.com