Francis Ngannou's journey takes a new turn as the American organization Professional Fighters League (PFL) terminated its engagement with the Cameroonian fighter on March 6, releasing him from his contract. This decision marks the end of a collaboration that began in May 2023, leaving Ngannou free to pursue his career in the world of MMA (Mix Martial Art). The PFL justifies this termination by citing Ngannou's failure to meet his commitments, as he only participated in one fight in nearly three years, a first-round KO victory against Renan Ferreira in October 2024.
The split with the PFL comes in a context where Ngannou had left the UFC (Ultimate Fighters Championship), expressing his dissatisfaction with the low earnings offered. His contract with the PFL was then seen as a more financially advantageous opportunity. However, it seems that the attraction of even greater gains led him to English boxing, to the detriment of his initial commitments with the PFL.
Despite this separation, Francis Ngannou does not intend to stay away from the rings. He has already announced his return to MMA with a fight scheduled for May 16, which will be broadcast on Netflix. His opponent will be Brazilian Philipe Lins, a 40-year-old former PFL champion who has also fought for Bellator and the UFC. Lins has a record of 18 wins and 5 losses.
The Intuit Dome in Los Angeles will host this event, which is part of an evening organized by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). According to the daily newspaper L'Équipe, this evening was specially designed to highlight the women's fight between American star Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, a pioneer of MMA who became an actress.
"I am ready for this new chapter, I am eager to please my fans again and remind the world who I am by showing what I am capable of at the highest level," Ngannou said in a statement announcing his next fight. This return to the forefront of the MMA scene is already generating enthusiasm among his fans and promises a spectacular clash against an experienced opponent. Ngannou's determination to regain the heights of MMA remains intact.
