MMA fighter Francis Ngannou parted ways with PFL, becoming a free agent.
The PFL and Francis Ngannou have officially ended their partnership.
On Friday, the PFL publicly confirmed the separation through social media. Ngannou did not promptly reply to ESPN’s requests for comments.
“The Professional Fighters League has decided to part ways with Francis Ngannou,” the organization stated. “We hold great respect for Francis as both an athlete and an individual, and we wish him success in the upcoming phase of his combat sports journey. The PFL remains dedicated to attracting and signing the top athletes in the sport while continuing to provide world-class competition for fans worldwide.”
This announcement concludes a collaboration that began in 2023, when the PFL made headlines by signing the former UFC heavyweight champion to a distinctive agreement that permitted him to box professionally and assume the role of chairman for its PFL Africa division. Ngannou’s agreement with the PFL followed unsuccessful negotiations with the UFC, during which UFC CEO Dana White asserted that Ngannou declined an offer that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight in UFC history.
Ngannou, who was born into severe poverty in Cameroon, went on to compete in professional boxing twice, in two lucrative bouts against world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in 2023 and 2024.
At 39 years old, Ngannou fought only once in the PFL. In October 2024, he headlined an event in Saudi Arabia against Renan Fereira, less than six months after the tragic and unexpected passing of his infant son, Kobe. Ngannou won the match against Fereira in the first round via TKO and dedicated the victory to his late son.
Ngannou was not strongly linked to any further fights with the PFL. The organization has experienced significant executive changes in the past six months, including the departure of longtime chairman Donn Davis and CEO Peter Murray, who were primarily responsible for Ngannou’s signing in 2023.
