PFL has confirmed that former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has signed an “exclusive global strategic MMA partnership” with the organization.
Ngannou was one of the UFC’s biggest names before a dispute over his contract terms led to his departure in December last year.
His exit sent shockwaves throughout the MMA community as many speculated as to where he would take his business. Some had suggested PFL while others tipped him off to make progress in the boxing world.
Now the Cameroonian has signed an “exclusive partnership deal” which gives him equity and taking on senior positions in the PFL, but also gives him permission to pursue boxing matches elsewhere.
Ngannou said on the way: New York Times: “The last few months have been a very interesting time to understand and see the landscape but I’m really excited about this deal with the PFL because basically they’ve shown what I expected.”
PFL have confirmed the signing of former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou
The Cameroonian fighter left the UFC after contract negotiations collapsed last year
“You didn’t just come on as a promotion looking for a fighter, but really came as a partner who sees more value in you as a person.”
Ngannou is understood to be planning to fight his first PFL fight in mid-2024, with the Cameroonian keen to have a boxing match before entering the SmartCage.
There have been rumors that the former UFC champion will face Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua, however, there is no serious development yet.
Ngannou, 36, will compete in the PFL’s Super Fight division, which allows fighters to earn at least 50 percent of the pay-per-view [PPV] Revenue. Compared to the UFC’s 20 percent cuts for fighters, that remains an enticing opportunity.
“The Predator” was one of the biggest names in the UFC before his exit, but felt unappreciated by company bosses as he sat down to discuss a new deal.
Speaking of his new PFL contract, Ngannou said: “Let’s just say my all-in deal with PFL is more than any other that’s on offer.”
In a fascinating performance on Ariel Helwani’s MMA lesson in January, Ngannou accused UFC officials of rejecting three requests on behalf of his fellow contestants; It covers sponsorship rights, free medical insurance, and an attorney to represent them at board meetings.
British heavyweight Tyson Fury has previously hinted at a cross-over fight with Ngannou
Along with Ngannou, another PFL signing, Cedric Doumbe, recently hinted that his contract with the organization was worth “10 times” what the UFC had offered him.
Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport in March, PFL’s head of operations for Europe – Dan Hardy – stressed his desire to improve fighter pay and welfare.
“Unfortunately, most of MMA politics comes from the stubbornness of the promoters and the poverty of the fighters,” Hardy said.
“We need to put money in the pockets of these fighters so they can train and prepare properly.” PPV fights would give the likes of Anthony Pettis or Jake Paul an opportunity if he decided to make the switch to MMA to access the money they generate.
“When we’re talking about someone like Francis Ngannou, who I so hope will sign with the PFL, you have to remember that he’s worth so much more than he was paid for.”
“Everything with the PPV shows will be on the table for the fighters. They will know what they are worth because they can generate the money themselves.”
