Will Ngannou Leave The PFL?

Francis Ngannou opened up on why he skipped the first two PFL Africa events, as doubts emerge over his PFL future.

Ngannou is the PFL’s biggest star, having signed with them in 2023. His deal included becoming chairman of PFL Africa, with the vision to expand MMA in the continent. Ngannou made an impressive start to his PFL career, knocking out Renan Fereira to become the PFL Super Fights Heavyweight World Champion last year. However, since then, his next MMA fight is not any clearer.

PFL Chairman Donn Davis recently revealed his “disappointment” that Ngannou missed the first two PFL Africa events. The first event, PFL Africa 1: Cape Town, was on July 19 in South Africa. The event, though, was marketed as the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series. The PFL Africa part was pushed to the undercard. The second card, held on August 9 in Johannesburg, did not get any heavy marketing. Ngannou was not best pleased. 

Ngannou Reacts

“For example, if you want to know what exactly is the reason I wasn’t there, I wasn’t very okay with the first PFL Africa event seeming to be like an undercard. Quoting him, we worked a lot for that, for PFL Africa. I hoped the PFL Africa debut would have at least had its glory, its moment, but that wasn’t my decision.

“PFL Africa is something that is made to be run forever. So, as we take the time it takes to set things up right, then the company will run properly. I don’t have any problem with going, as long as we get things right and feel comfortable. Because I’m going there, stepping forward, putting myself in line as a guarantee. So, at least I’m going to make sure I stand by what I’m saying,” Ngannou said 

This could have significant ramifications for Ngannou’s future with the PFL. Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC was about fighter autonomy. This raises a crucial question: How much control does Ngannou truly have as “chairman”? His public comments suggest little. Ngannou left the UFC over worries that his rights as an independent contractor would be harmed with the new deal that was on offer. Now, it appears he has another problem to handle. 

Ngannou’s next PFL fight is not closer to being made. The most competitive fights are in the UFC, however, Dana White has said he would never work with Ngannou again following his departure. Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall are the two biggest bouts out there, but Ngannou is not in the picture to get those bouts. Fans had plenty to say.