Francis Ngannou Released by PFL, Future Uncertain

By Daniel Richardson
Editor-in-Chief, Archysport
March 7, 2026

The future of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is once again in flux. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced Friday that it has parted ways with the Cameroonian fighter, a move that raises questions about the direction of both Ngannou’s career and the PFL’s strategy. The 39-year-old hasn’t competed in mixed martial arts since October 2024.

“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 said in a statement released on social media, adding that the organization remains “focused on recruiting and signing the best athletes in the sport.”

Ngannou’s arrival at the PFL in May 2023 was heralded as a significant coup for the promotion, a direct challenge to the UFC’s dominance. The move followed a protracted contract dispute with the UFC, where disagreements over compensation were central. However, after nearly three years, the partnership yielded a limited return: Ngannou fought only once under the PFL banner, securing a first-round knockout victory over Renan Ferreira in October 2024.

A Brief, and Perhaps Telling, Stint

The PFL’s decision comes as something of a surprise, given the initial fanfare surrounding Ngannou’s signing. He was not only intended to be a marquee attraction for the MMA promotion but also held the position of chairman of PFL Africa, a role he did not actively fulfill, being absent from the inaugural event in South Africa in July 2025. This absence, coupled with the limited number of fights, likely contributed to the PFL’s reassessment of the partnership.

The deal with the PFL allowed Ngannou to pursue boxing opportunities, something the UFC previously restricted. He capitalized on this freedom, facing Tyson Fury in October 2023 and Anthony Joshua in March 2024. Even as he lost both bouts – the Fury fight going to a controversial decision and the Joshua fight ending in a second-round knockout – Ngannou demonstrated his competitive spirit and earned a No. 10 ranking from the WBC after the Fury contest. These boxing matches, while lucrative, further complicated his schedule and commitment to the PFL.

What’s Next for ‘The Predator’?

The immediate future for Ngannou remains unclear. His interest in pursuing further boxing matches is well-documented, with the potential for higher earnings than those typically offered in MMA. Ngannou has repeatedly hinted at a desire to return to the UFC, even suggesting a potential fight at an event planned for the White House on June 14th. However, UFC CEO Dana White has publicly dismissed the possibility of Ngannou rejoining the organization.

The situation highlights the evolving landscape of combat sports, where athletes are increasingly exploring opportunities across multiple disciplines. Ngannou’s willingness to venture into boxing, and the PFL’s initial willingness to accommodate that, reflects a broader trend towards athlete empowerment and the blurring of lines between MMA and boxing.

For the PFL, the release of Ngannou represents a strategic shift. The promotion is now free to pursue other athletes and focus on building its brand through consistent MMA competition. The PFL’s statement emphasized its commitment to recruiting top talent and delivering “world-class competition for fans around the globe.”

Ngannou’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. From his humble beginnings in Cameroon to becoming a UFC champion and then a cross-over boxing contender, he has consistently defied expectations. His next move will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike. The question now is whether he will return to the octagon, continue his boxing pursuits, or explore other opportunities in the world of combat sports.

The PFL’s decision, while surprising, underscores the challenges of integrating high-profile athletes with competing interests into a developing promotion. It also serves as a reminder that even the most promising partnerships can sometimes fall short of expectations.

As of today, March 7, 2026, Francis Ngannou is a free agent, and his next chapter remains unwritten.

Next Up: Ngannou’s representatives have not yet announced any immediate plans. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates as they become available.