Ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou shares first look in PFL threads

On Tuesday, Ngannou announced that he signed a multi-fight deal with the PFL, which includes equity and leadership roles in the promotion, per The New York Times. Notably, the deal made Ngannou the equity owner and Chairman of the newly-launched PFL Africa.

The 36-year-old is expected to fight in the PFL’s super-fight division in 2024. 

With a long-standing desire to step into the boxing ring, Ngannou also has the opportunity to turn his dream into a reality. With his new MMA exclusive PFL contract, the first Cameroon-born UFC champion will be able to put on potential super-fights with elite-level boxers, including Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, to name a select few. 

Throughout multiple interviews, Ngannou has openly expressed his eagerness to make his boxing debut this year, whether it’s against top-tier fighters or just a tune-up fight. 

The PFL announcement came months after Ngannou was stripped of the UFC heavyweight title after failed negotiations with the promotion. He made his last UFC and MMA appearance in Jan. 2022 at UFC 270, where he successfully defended the heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. 

An opponent or location for Ngannou’s 2024 PFL debut has not been announced.