Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou is no longer part of the PFL roster.
‘The Predator’ joined the Professional Fighters League in 2023, just a few months after his contractual dispute with the UFC ended in a less than amicable exit.
Before Ngannou chose to leave the UFC after rejecting the promotion’s final offer, he had won six fights straight, including a heavyweight title win over Stipe Miocic and a successful defense against Ciryl Gane.
But he did not have a similar lengthy run in the PFL, competing just once in the promotion before being released on Friday.
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PFL releases Francis Ngannou after three years and one fight in the promotion
News of Ngannou and the PFL parting ways was first reported by Mike Pendleton on X.
The organization has had a number of personnel changes this year and issued a statement announcing the Cameroonian heavyweight as the latest high-profile departure.
“The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou,” a PFL representative said in a release (h/t Sherdog).
“We have great respect for Francis as both an athlete and a person, and we wish him success in the next chapter of his combat sports career.
“The PFL remains focused on recruiting and signing the best athletes in the sport while continuing to deliver world-class competition for fans around the globe.”
Ngannou signed with the PFL after being offered a number of desirable contractual terms, including the freedom to pursue his ambitions in the boxing ring and the role of PFL Africa chairman.
‘The Predator’ fought more times in boxing than he did in the PFL. Losses to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in the ring preceded Ngannou’s TKO win over Renan Ferreira in his PFL debut.
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Photo by Mohammed Saad/Anadolu via Getty Images
Could Francis Ngannou return to the UFC?
Ngannou’s free agency comes after speculation picked up over a potential return to his former home.
Before being released, the Cameroonian’s contract with the PFL was nearing its end anyway, sparking talk of Ngannou making a shock UFC comeback. But in addition to ‘The Predator’ himself not appearing keen, Dana White shut down talk of Ngannou returning late last year.
“I don’t know how I can make…
2026-03-06 12:54:16
