Francis Ngannou is now a free agent in mixed martial arts after leaving the PFL.
The PFL announced that they have decided to part ways with Francis Ngannou. Ngannou, the former UFC champion, joined the PFL in 2023. During his time with the PFL, Ngannou oversaw its expansion into Africa.
“The PFL has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou,” the PFL said. “We wish him success in the next chapter of his combat sports career.”
Ngannou’s Exit From UFC and PFL
Ngannou’s exit from the UFC in 2023 was a massive moment in MMA. He opted to walk away from the world’s biggest promotion. The Cameroonian has advocated for fighters to have greater control of their careers and to be paid better. He wants fighters to have earnings comparable to athletes in other major sports.
Ngannou previously stated that two boxing fights earned him more than his entire 14-fight UFC career combined. Those boxing bouts were not organised by the PFL but with boxing promotions.
Potential Future Fights
A return to the UFC may be on the cards. The heavyweight division is struggling for consistency since Ngannou’s exit. Briton Tom Aspinall is the current UFC champion but has not fought since October and underwent double eye surgery in February.
Ngannou may also look to be included on Netflix’s first MMA event on 16 May. Ronda Rousey is set to face Gina Carano in her return to competitive fighting.
The PFL Experiment
The PFL experiment hasn’t quite worked out as both parties would have wished. Key to that deal was Ngannou being permitted to box and being the face of PFL Africa. But Ngannou’s notable absence from the inaugral PFL Africa event last year hinted that things behind the scenes were not harmonious.
A lack of potential opponents for Ngannou in the PFL was a clear issue. The fighter himself was much bigger than the PFL brand. His status sky rocketed when he came close to beating Tyson Fury in a boxing contest 2023. He went on to face Anthony Joshua in 2024, which ended in a knockout defeat. The PFL struggled to deliver an event or opponent worthy of Ngannou’s brand.
- Ngannou has not fought in MMA since October 2024.
- Ngannou joined the PFL in 2023.
- Ngannou is 39.
However, it may be that at 39 Ngannou wants to hang up his gloves.