Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou signs ‘exclusive partnership’ with PFL, but won’t make his debut until mid-2024…with ‘The Predator’ set to have one boxing match before MMA returns
- PFL has confirmed the signing of former UFC champion Francis Ngannou
- The Cameroonian left the UFC after a breakdown in negotiations
- He won’t make his PFL debut until 2024, with his sights set on a boxing match
PFL has confirmed that former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has signed an “exclusive global MMA strategic partnership” with the organization.
Ngannou was one of the biggest names in the UFC before a dispute over his contract terms led to his departure last December.
His departure sent shock waves through the MMA community as many speculated where he would take his business. Some had suggested PFL and others said boxing. Well, both seem to be true.
The Cameroonian has signed an ‘exclusive partnership’ agreement under which he will receive shares and take on leading roles in the PFL, while also being allowed to box elsewhere.
While on his way, Ngannou told the New York Times: ‘The last few months have been a really interesting time to understand and see the landscape, but I’m really excited about this deal with the PFL because they essentially showed what I expected.
PFL has confirmed the signing of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou
The Cameroonian fighter left the UFC last year after a failed contract negotiation
“They didn’t just show up as a promotion looking for a fighter, but really showed up as a partner who sees more value in you as a person.”
It is clear that Ngannou plans to have his first PFL fight in mid-2024, with the Cameroonian keen to have one boxing match before entering the SmartCage.
There are rumors that the ex-UFC champion will face Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua, although there is no serious development yet.
Ngannou, 36, will compete in PFL’s Super-fight division, which will allow fighters to earn at least 50 percent of the pay-per-view [PPV] gain. Compared to the UFC’s 20 percent discount for fighters, it remains an attractive opportunity.
‘The Predator’ was one of the biggest names in the UFC before his departure, but felt unappreciated by company executives as he sat down to discuss a new deal.
Speaking about his new PFL contract, Ngannou said: ‘Let’s just say my deal with PFL is more than anyone else offered’.
During an exciting performance on Ariel Helwani’s MMA hour in January, Ngannou accused UFC officials of denying three requests on behalf of his fellow fighters; regarding sponsorship rights, free health insurance and a lawyer to represent them in board meetings.
Along with Ngannou, PFL’s other new recruit – Cedric Doumbe – recently suggested his deal with the organization is worth “ten times” what the UFC had offered him.
Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport in March, PFL’s director of operations for Europe – Dan Hardy – emphasized his desire to improve hunters’ pay and welfare.
British heavyweight Tyson Fury has previously alluded to a crossover fight with Ngannou
“Unfortunately, most of the politics around MMA is the stubbornness of the promoters and the pitifulness of the fighters,” said Hardy.
“We have to put money in the pockets of these fighters so that they can train and prepare properly. PPV fights would give people like Anthony Pettis or Jake Paul, if he decided to move into MMA, a chance to access the money they generate.
“We’re talking about someone like Francis Ngannou, who I really hope signs with the PFL, you have to think he’s worth so much more than what he got paid.
“Everything with the PPV shows gets on the table for the fighters. They will know what they are worth because they can generate the money themselves.’