Six months after the expiration of his final UFC contract – and five months since negotiations for a revised deal with President Dana White fell apart, marking the promotion’s first reigning champion to depart on these terms since BJ Penn – Francis Ngannou has signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Ngannou (17-3) has been carefully weighing up his options for a new home, having reportedly turned down an offer that would’ve effectively made him the highest-paid heavyweight in UFC history, before rejecting another two-fight / US$20 million (AU$30 million) offer from ONE Championship more recently.
Now, it would appear the PFL has met all his demands. Specifically the one regarding the contractual flexibility to pursue professional boxing on the side for that sweet, sweet, boxing dough with the organisation’s full blessing. As well as an entire run sheet of added benefits.
For example, in addition to coming on board as a rostered athlete, he’ll also serve in a leadership role on the PFL global advisory board, plus assume the role of chairman and equity owner in PFL Africa.
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“I believe in the PFL’s ‘fighter first’ culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa,” the 36-year-old mixed martial artist hailing from Cameroon expressed via statement.
“With that, I am also proud to announce that I will serve as Chairman of PFL Africa which will be the leading MMA organisation on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”
PFL CEO Peter Murray added: “The PFL is excited to announce its groundbreaking strategic partnership with Francis Ngannou, the greatest heavyweight fighter in the world.”
Francis Ngannous is expected to make his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut sometime in mid-2024 against a yet-to-be-announced opponent who will be earning a guaranteed US$2 million (AU$3 million) to face the Predator.
Competing exclusively in the franchise’s super fight division alongside the likes of Kayla Harrison and Jake Paul, as alluded to earlier, a boxing match – potentially with fellow heavyweight combat sports icon Tyson Fury – is also on the immediate horizon.
