Francis Ngannou Splits with PFL After 1 Fight, What's Next for Former UFC Star?

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is no longer under contract with the Professional Fighters League.

In a statement to MMA insider Mike Pendelton, a PFL representative said that Ngannou has been released from his deal after one fight with the promotion:

"The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou. 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."

Yahoo Sports' Ariel Helwani also confirmed Ngannou's PFL departure.

Per ESPN's Brett Okamoto, Ngannou's departure from PFL comes as the promotion has undergone significant leadership changes in recent months, including chairman Donn Davis and CEO Peter Murray both leaving their roles.

Okamoto added that Davis and Murray were the main driving forces behind signing Ngannou three years ago.

Ngannou was released from his UFC contract in January 2023 amid a dispute with the promotion. He felt like he wasn't being properly compensated for his value as the heavyweight champion.

UFC president Dana White responded by claiming Ngannou was offered a deal that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight fighter in UFC history but turned it down.

Four months after Ngannou's departure from UFC, PFL announced it signed him to a multi-fight deal for MMA fights that gave him equity and a leadership role in the promotion. He was also allowed to pursue outside opportunities as a boxer.

Ngannou wound up having more boxing matches than MMA fights under his PFL deal. His lone PFL appearance was a victory over Renan Ferreira for the symbolic super fights heavyweight championship in October 2024.

The 39-year-old also challenged Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in sanctioned boxing matches. He lost both times, including a second-round knockout at the hands of Joshua in March 2024.

It would seem unlikely that a UFC return is on the table for Ngannou given how things ended between the two sides, but stranger things have happened. He could also look to continue as a boxer if there are big-money opportunities available, though his performances against Fury and Joshua don't suggest he is a strong contender.

Given that Ngannou reportedly earned at least $10 million each for his bouts against Fury and Joshua, he could decide to retire from combat sports given his age.

Friday's decision makes Ngannou a free agent for the second time in three years. He has an 18-3 career record in mixed martial arts, including a 12-2 mark during his UFC tenure.