Brett Okamoto
Multiple Authors
The PFL and Francis Ngannou have formally parted methods.
On Friday, the PFL introduced the cut up by way of social media. Ngannou didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark by ESPN.
“The Professional Fighters League had made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou,” the corporate said. “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.”
The announcement brings an finish to a partnership that started in 2023, when the PFL made a splash by signing the previous UFC heavyweight champion to a distinctive deal that may permit him to field professionally and serve as chairman of its PFL Africa division. Ngannou’s signing with the PFL got here after repeated failed negotiations with the UFC, throughout which UFC CEO Dana White claimed Ngannou turned down a deal that may have made him the highest-paid heavyweight in UFC historical past.
Ngannou, who was born in Cameroon, went on to field professionally twice, in two profitable matches in opposition to world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in 2023 and 2024.
The 39-year-old Ngannou fought solely as soon as within the PFL. In October 2024, he headlined an occasion in Saudi Arabia in opposition to Renan Fereira, lower than six months after the tragic, sudden dying of his toddler son, Kobe. Ngannou defeated Fereira in the first round via TKO and devoted the combat to his late son.
Ngannou was by no means strongly tied to a different bout with the PFL. The group has undergone main govt modifications previously six months, together with parting methods with longtime chairman Donn Davis and CEO Peter Murray, who had been primarily behind Ngannou’s signing in 2023.
