PFL and Francis Ngannou have officially ended their relationship. The separation announcement was made by the PFL on Friday through its social media. Ngannou did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This announcement ends a collaboration that began in 2023, when the PFL caused a sensation by signing the former UFC heavyweight champion with a unique agreement that would allow him to box professionally and serve as president of its PFL Africa division. Ngannou’s signing with the PFL came after repeated failed negotiations with the UFC. Ngannou, born in Cameroon, participated in two professional boxing matches, in lucrative fights against world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in 2023 and 2024. The 39-year-old fighter only competed once in the PFL. In October 2024, he headlined an event in Saudi Arabia against Renan Ferreira, less than six months after the tragic and sudden death of his son Kobe. Ngannou defeated Ferreira in the first round by TKO and dedicated the fight to his late son. Ngannou was never heavily linked to another fight with the PFL. The organization has experienced significant changes in leadership in the last six months, including the separation with president Donn Davis and CEO Peter Murray, who were primarily responsible for Ngannou’s signing in 2023.The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou. We have great respect for Francis, both as an athlete and a person, and we wish him success in the next chapter of his career in combat sports. The PFL remains focused on recruiting and signing the best athletes in the sport, while continuing to offer first-class competition to fans around the world.
PFL Statement
