The Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced on March 6, 2026, the end of its collaboration with Francis Ngannou, concluding an association that lasted only one fight. The American organization formalized the news in a statement, leaving the former UFC heavyweight champion free to pursue his career elsewhere.
"The Professional Fighters League has decided to part ways with Francis Ngannou. We have great respect for Francis, both as an athlete and as a person, and we wish him much success in the next stage of his career in combat sports," the PFL said in its statement.
Ngannou will have fought only once under the PFL banner. That was in 2023, when he secured a victory against Brazilian Renan Ferreira at the "Battle of Giants" gala in Riyadh. This victory marked his first appearance in the organization.
Despite announcements of a possible fight with American boxer Deontay Wilder, the Cameroonian has not returned to the cage since that fight. This separation raises questions about the next step in the career of "The Predator".
At 39 years old, Francis Ngannou has explored different facets of the MMA world, going through the UFC and then the PFL. He also tried his hand at boxing, facing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Although he did not win any of these boxing matches, he gained significant financial rewards from them.
The PFL now seems to be looking to the future and focusing on new talent. "The PFL remains committed to recruiting and signing the best athletes in the sport, while continuing to offer high-level competitions to fans around the world," the statement said. This decision is part of a broader restructuring project of the organization, involving separations with certain athletes, including Francis Ngannou.
The future of Francis Ngannou remains uncertain, but his time in the world of combat sports has been remarkable.
