PFL Parts Ways With Francis Ngannou, the Former UFC Champion

Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

The Professional Fighters League has officially released heavyweight star Francis Ngannou, bringing an end to the high-profile partnership between the promotion and one of Africa’s most recognizable combat sports athletes.

In a statement, the league said it had “made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou,” adding that it has “great respect for Francis as both an athlete and a person” while wishing him success in the next stage of his career.

Ngannou joined the PFL in 2023 after a high-profile departure from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, in what was widely viewed as one of the most significant free-agent signings in MMA history. The deal also coincided with the promotion’s ambitions to expand into Africa through the planned launch of PFL Africa.

Despite the attention surrounding the signing, Ngannou competed just once for the promotion. In October 2024, he defeated Brazilian heavyweight Renan Ferreira via first-round knockout in Riyadh.

Outside the PFL cage, Ngannou attracted global attention through high-profile boxing bouts against heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua-fights that were made possible under a contract structure allowing him to pursue opportunities beyond MMA.

Ngannou now enters free agency with multiple potential options across combat sports, including boxing, MMA promotions, or hybrid events, as he continues to build one of the most unique cross-disciplinary careers in modern fighting.

In 2025, Ngannou was named Chairman and an equity owner in PFL Africa. The split remains unclear and raises questions about the role Ngannou was expected to play in the promotion’s planned African expansion strategy.

Source: PFL