The PFL Desperately Needs Francis Ngannou To Return, But Will He?

To understand Ngannou’s situation, it helps to understand his complicated relationship with UFC president Dana White.

For over seven years, “The Predator” was one of White’s darlings, and it was not hard to see why. Ngannou was a physical specimen, standing 6’4″ and weighing a divinely cut 257 pounds. He had exceptional punching power that carried him to the heavyweight title and superstardom in the Octagon.

Yet behind the seeming rosiness of the relationship was tension. Ngannou desired Conor McGregor-esque pay and concessions that he believed fit his stature, but White would not budge. It even allegedly led to a physical altercation at some point.

Thus, after Ngannou unified and retained the title against Ciryl Gane, he left for the PFL. There, he could get the million-dollar paydays and box, and he would have an executive position. He definitely benefited from the boxing provision, even if he lost both fights.

An MMA Return: What Awaits?

When it comes to MMA, however, Ngannou has fought just once, knocking out Ferreira in 2024. With a title fight set to happen this week, this will be the best time to return to the sport and help the PFL compete with the UFC.

Both Ngannou’s prospective opponents present a compelling narrative. Nemkov is a fresh matchup and arguably the best fighter he will face outside the UFC – a former Bellator light heavyweight champion who has looked fantastic since moving up. Ferreira, meanwhile, will want to exact revenge.

The question, however, is, will Ngannou want to do it? He has his millions of dollars from when he boxed, and he has a cushy executive job at the PFL’s African branch, even if it has gone largely underreported. At 39 years of age, will he risk his health and well-being to get another massive payday?

End Of My PFL Francis Ngannou Rant

Ngannou is, without a doubt, one of the best heavyweights to ever step foot inside a ring. His run of terror from 2015 to 2022 saw him overcome ridicule to establish himself as one of the scariest fighters on the planet.

Yet Ngannou’s recent inactivity is damaging to both him and his employer. Now the world’s second-biggest MMA promotion, the PFL needs a mega-fight to draw attention and secure its future. Here is hoping that after Saturday, both parties will make it work.