Francis Ngannou Leaves The PFL

The PFL have parted ways with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, ending a three-year agreement. 

The release marks a stark conclusion to a partnership that began in May 2023. While the “Predator” held a leadership role in PFL Africa, Ngannou’s only MMA outing under the PFL banner occurred in October 2024, where he showcased his signature power by stopping Renan Ferreira in the first round.

Ngannou leveraged his unique PFL contract—which granted him freedom—to pursue massive paydays in the boxing ring. He shocked the world by dropping Tyson Fury in a narrow loss, but his momentum was halted by a brutal second-round knockout at the hands of Anthony Joshua in March 2024. Following the Joshua defeat, Ngannou has not returned to a competitive ring or cage of any kind.

The decision to move on comes after a devastating sequence of events in Ngannou’s personal life that shifted his focus far away from the gym. In 2024, Ngannou suffered the heartbreaking loss of his 15-month-old son, Kobe. In April 2025, Ngannou was involved in a motorcycle accident in his native Cameroon. The collision tragically resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl. 

“The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou. 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,” PFL said