Francis Ngannou Released by PFL, Future in Combat Sports Uncertain

By Daniel Richardson
Editor-in-Chief, Archysport.com
March 6, 2026

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is once again a free agent after the Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced its decision to release him on Friday, March 6, 2026. The move comes after a relatively brief and, unfulfilling stint with the promotion that had hoped to build around the Cameroonian fighter’s star power.

A Shocking Departure

The PFL’s decision to part ways with Ngannou, arguably its most recognizable athlete, was described as a surprise by multiple outlets. [1] Ngannou signed with the PFL in May 2023 following a contract dispute with the UFC, a deal that included an equity stake in the company and a leadership role within PFL Africa. The intention was to position Ngannou as a central figure in the PFL’s challenge to the UFC’s dominance in mixed martial arts.

However, Ngannou only competed once under the PFL banner, securing a first-round knockout victory over Renan Ferreira in October 2024 to win the PFL Super Fight heavyweight title. [1, 3] Despite the win, and the promise of a fresh era for the PFL, the partnership has been dissolved.

Boxing Ventures and a Shifting Landscape

A key component of Ngannou’s agreement with the PFL was the freedom to pursue boxing opportunities, something the UFC had previously restricted. He capitalized on this, taking on WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October 2023. While Ngannou lost a split decision to Fury, he impressed many with his performance, even scoring a knockdown, and earned a No. 10 ranking from the WBC. [1] He followed that with a bout against Anthony Joshua in March 2024, which resulted in a knockout loss. [3]

The PFL’s statement acknowledged Ngannou’s contributions, stating, “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.” [1, 3] The promotion emphasized its continued focus on recruiting top athletes and delivering high-level competition.

What’s Next for ‘The Predator’?

The immediate future for Ngannou remains unclear. His release from the PFL opens up a range of possibilities, including a potential return to the UFC, a continued focus on boxing, or exploring opportunities in other combat sports organizations. The question of whether the 39-year-old will continue to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts is now a significant one. [2, 4]

Ngannou’s departure from the PFL too raises questions about the promotion’s strategy. While the initial signing generated considerable buzz, the limited number of appearances and the focus on boxing created a somewhat disjointed narrative. The PFL will now need to recalibrate its approach to attracting and retaining top talent.

For fans, the situation is a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the world of combat sports. Athletes often navigate competing interests and opportunities, and the landscape can shift rapidly. Ngannou’s journey is a prime example of this, and his next move will be closely watched by the MMA community.

The PFL’s decision, while surprising, underscores the challenges of building a competing promotion in a market dominated by the UFC. The league’s statement suggests a continued commitment to its core mission, but the loss of its biggest star is undoubtedly a setback. [1]

Ngannou’s PFL Record

• October 2024: Defeated Renan Ferreira by KO (Round 1) – PFL Super Fight Heavyweight Title

Ngannou’s boxing record during his time with the PFL includes:

• October 2023: Lost to Tyson Fury by split decision
• March 2024: Lost to Anthony Joshua by KO

The former UFC champion’s next move will be a key storyline to follow in the coming months. Will he seek a rematch with Joshua? Will the UFC come calling with a lucrative offer? Or will Ngannou forge a new path entirely? The answers remain to be seen.

Next Up: Ngannou’s representatives have not yet commented on his future plans. Archysport will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

What do you think Ngannou should do next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!