Francis Ngannou At Odds With PFL?

Francis Ngannou left the UFC in early 2023 after a highly publicized contractual dispute, eventually signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in a landmark deal that gave him both in cage and executive opportunities.

Along with the freedom to pursue a boxing career, “The Predator” was named PFL Africa chairman, a role Ngannou called an honor and one he said that allows him to help grow MMA on his home continent. But his vision included making it easier for African fighters to succeed without enduring the same struggles he once faced.

That’s why PFL founder Donn Davis was surprised and disappointed when Ngannou did not attend the promotion’s PFL Africa debut card on July 18 at GrandWest Arena.

“You have to ask Francis (why he was not present),” Davis told media at the event (h/t ESPN). “I’m not going to hide it, I expected him there. This is part of his vision, so that all those fighters out there don’t have to leave the continent like he did. We worked for two years.

I’m direct and say what I think, I’m disappointed.”

Without a doubt you can see how disappointed Davis is. But is this relationship damaged at this point?

UFC Return Talk Quickly Shut Down

Ngannou’s absence coincided with renewed fan chatter. About a potential UFC return particularly for a mega fight with Tom Aspinall. Who became the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion after Jon Jones’ short lived retirement.

The speculation fueled in part by Ngannou’s longtime coach Eric Nicksick. Who voiced interest in seeing his fighter back in the Octagon.

However, UFC president Dana White quickly dismissed the idea and Ngannou himself made it clear on social media that a return was never on the table.

“Did I say I’m ever coming back?” Ngannou posted on X.