Francis Ngannou released from PFL after just one fight as statement issued

Mar 6, 2026 - 13:30

Francis Ngannou is no longer a PFL fighter.

On Friday, the promotion which signed Ngannou after his spell as UFC heavyweight champion announced the Cameroonian had been released.

Franics Ngannou pictured with UFC title — Ngannou is one of the best MMA heavyweights of all time – but quit the UFC in his prime after a famous dispute with Dana White

“The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou,” a statement issued to MMAmania.com read.

“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.

“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.”

Repeated patterns

After boxing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Ngannou made his PFL debut in October 2024, stopping Renan Ferreira to win the Super Fight heavyweight title.

He instantly became the promotion’s most expensive signing of all time and also served as chairman of PFL Africa.

Ngannou’s comeback fight has been constantly discussed ever since, with ‘The Predator’ linked to meet Jake Paul in the ring before the latter settled on a clash with Joshua.

He even accepted a callout from current PFL heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov in December, but negotiations never materialised.

The 39-year-old is widely viewed as one of the greatest MMA heavyweights of all time, having dominated the UFC’s biggest division to become champion in 2021.

Ngannou knocked out veteran Stipe Miocic in March 2021 to win the UFC heavyweight title before defending the crown against Ciryl Gane 10 months later.

He was axed from the promotion due to a contractual dispute with UFC CEO Dana White and their relationship remains fragile.

Francis Ngannou of Cameroon battles Ciryl Gane of France during the UFC 270 event at Honda Center on January 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California — Ngannou will no doubt have a plethora of options on the table now that he has parted ways with the PFL

Ngannou’s relationship with the PFL also ended seemingly on a sour note.

Last year, PFL founder Donn Davis criticised the heavyweight for not attending a fight night in South Africa as the chairman of PFL Africa.

Ngannou has also publicly voiced his frustration several times over the PFL not giving him a fight despite his readiness, which is likely due to the huge financial demands of the former UFC heavyweight champion.

Ngannou expected to fight this year

Nonetheless, Ngannou is now set to explore opportunities elsewhere.

In January, head coach Eric Nicksick revealed Ngannou was getting closer to making his MMA comeback.

‘He’s the lightest I’ve ever seen him,” Nicksick said.

Francis Ngannou hugging Tyson Fury after their boxing clash — Ngannou made his pro boxing debut against Fury in 2023 and may look for another fight in the ring next

“He called and FaceTimed, I saw his face right away and it was chiselled.

“Usually, he’s a little bit more plump and he’s been eating and stuff like that, but his knee is feeling good, so he’s getting his road work.

“He’s training every day and his weight was down. I was like, ‘Yo, we got something coming up?’

“And he goes, ‘Yeah, I’m working on a few things.’ So hopefully, we see him back in the cage in 2026. And then the sky’s the limit for him, man.”

Where could Ngannou go next?

Of course, Ngannou’s departure from the PFL comes just three months before the UFC’s iconic White House show.

Ngannou has been mentioned several times in conversations over who could fight at the celebratory event, although White is unlikely to welcome him back to his promotion.

Francis Ngannou of Cameroon shakes hands with UFC president Dana White during the UFC 270 press conference at the Anaheim Convention Center on January 20, 2022 in Anaheim, California — Ngannou’s working relationship with White came to a bitter end after he left the UFC and it’s unlikely the latter would even think about bringing him back to the UFC

White has no regrets over releasing Ngannou from the UFC and said giving him to the PFL was one of his most satisfying moves.

The UFC CEO is set to reveal the six or seven-fight card for the White House show on Saturday night and it would be a huge shock to see Ngannou’s name anywhere the event.

Ngannou could, however, find himself representing Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) or Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.

Hearn shocked the combat sports world by adding UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to his newly-launched Matchroom Talent Agency this week and is reportedly on the lookout for more MMA fighters.

MVP, meanwhile, is hosting Ronda Rousey’s grand return to MMA against Gina Carano on Netflix in May and would, without hesitation, bring Ngannou on board for future fighters.

Both MVP and Matchroom are holding press conferences in New York City and London today, respectively, and Ngannou could make an appearance.