Francis Ngannou parts ways with PFL as former UFC heavyweight champion sparks talk of possible return to UFC
Francis Ngannou is once again at the center of big news in the fight world. The former UFC heavyweight champion has officially parted ways with the Professional Fighters League. The decision was confirmed in an official statement from the organization. Ngannou, known for his powerful knockouts and strong personality, is now a free agent again. That has quickly started a new conversation among fans. Many are now wondering if the former champion could return to the UFC.
The news comes after Ngannou spent time away from MMA while trying professional boxing. His fights against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua drew huge attention and earned him millions. Now that he is no longer with PFL, the big question remains. Will Francis Ngannou return to the UFC, the promotion where he once ruled the heavyweight division? Or will the star fighter choose a completely new path in combat sports?
The statement also added, “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.”
With that announcement, Ngannou is now free to explore other opportunities in fighting.
During his time away from mixed martial arts, Ngannou stepped into the boxing ring. He faced two of the biggest names in boxing, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. According to Sports Business Journal and Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick, the Cameroonian fighter earned around $30 million combined from those two fights.
Those boxing matches helped raise Ngannou’s global profile even further. Fans around the world watched as the former UFC champion tested himself in a completely different sport. Before joining PFL, Ngannou had a dramatic exit from the UFC. He chose not to sign a new contract even though he was the reigning heavyweight champion at the time.
Ngannou had been vocal about fighter rights and long term health benefits. He wanted better conditions for fighters and believed he had earned the leverage to push for change. Because of this disagreement, his relationship with UFC leadership became tense. UFC CEO Dana White has spoken openly about the situation in the past.
During an appearance on the Flagrant Podcast, White shared a story about a disagreement involving Ngannou and UFC executives. However, despite the past tension, fans are now discussing the possibility of a return. In MMA, surprising comebacks and new deals happen often.
For now, Ngannou’s future remains uncertain. What is clear is that one of the most powerful heavyweights in combat sports is once again free to choose his next move.
Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ENG Live Score updates, including the full schedule, teams, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.
Israel Iran War
- US-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: 'Indian navy's guest struck without warning': Iran slams US after torpedo sinks warship IRIS Dena
- 50 Israeli jets strike, destroy Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s underground military bunker; IDF shares video
- Russia helping Iran? Moscow providing real time intelligence to Tehran on American military assets
Francis Ngannou becomes free agent after leaving PFL as fans question possible return to UFC
The Professional Fighters League confirmed the news in a public statement. The promotion said, “The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou. 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 statement also added, “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.”
With that announcement, Ngannou is now free to explore other opportunities in fighting.
During his time away from mixed martial arts, Ngannou stepped into the boxing ring. He faced two of the biggest names in boxing, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. According to Sports Business Journal and Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick, the Cameroonian fighter earned around $30 million combined from those two fights.
Those boxing matches helped raise Ngannou’s global profile even further. Fans around the world watched as the former UFC champion tested himself in a completely different sport. Before joining PFL, Ngannou had a dramatic exit from the UFC. He chose not to sign a new contract even though he was the reigning heavyweight champion at the time.
During an appearance on the Flagrant Podcast, White shared a story about a disagreement involving Ngannou and UFC executives. However, despite the past tension, fans are now discussing the possibility of a return. In MMA, surprising comebacks and new deals happen often.
For now, Ngannou’s future remains uncertain. What is clear is that one of the most powerful heavyweights in combat sports is once again free to choose his next move.
Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ENG Live Score updates, including the full schedule, teams, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.
Popular from Sports
- 'Send the chopper': Stuck in India due to Israel-Iran tensions, West Indies player asks Cristiano Ronaldo to 'rescue' him
- Not Varun Chakravarthy, Kapil Dev names this Indian cricketer as 'number one bowler'
- Sanju Samson emerges as India’s only contender in Player of the Tournament race
- 'Man of the match was Jasprit Bumrah': Irfan Pathan disagrees with official award decision
- 'Where’s the rest of you?': Brendon McCullum stunned by Rohit Sharma’s fitness transformation - Watch
end of article
Featured in sports
- Stuck in India, West Indies player asks Cristiano Ronaldo to 'rescue' him
- 'Look in the mirror': Ex-England pacer questions Buttler’s future after T20 World Cup flop
- Sanju Samson emerges as India’s only contender in Player of the Tournament race
- Not Varun Chakravarthy, Kapil Dev names this cricketer as 'number one bowler'
- TOISA 2025: Meet the distinguished jury panel
- Nazi salute costs Real Madrid as UEFA slaps $17,000 fine after fan's gesture
International Sports
- Geno Smith release: Raiders swallow $18.5M dead cap to reset at quarterback
- “Family will screw you”: fans worry as Jayden Daniels hands career to mom Regina Jackson after she officially becomes his agent
- Steelers rumors: Pittsburgh eyeing Stefon Diggs after Patriots release
- NFL Free Agency 2026: Tampa Bay Buccaneers look for long term successor to $7M veteran linebacker
- NFL free agency tracker: Biggest signings and moves across the league
Trending Stories
- US-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Tanker hit by ‘large explosion’ off Kuwait, causing oil spill; Iran launches missiles at Israel
- UPSC CSE 2025 final results out, Anuj Agnihotri tops exam; 958 recommended for IAS, IFS, IPS and Central Services
- WBJEE 2026 notification released; examination scheduled for May 24
- Who is Anuj Agnihotri, the UPSC CSE 2025 topper?
- Russia helping Iran? Moscow providing real time intelligence to Tehran on American military assets
- 50 Israeli jets strike, destroy Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s underground military bunker; IDF shares video
- Connor McDavid reacts after Edmonton Oilers acquire Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach before NHL trade deadline
Photostories
- A look at Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s $4 billion car collection: from rare Rolls-Royces to iconic supercars and one-of-a-kind F1 machines
- March-perfect destinations to visit in India under ₹10,000; check itinerary
- Why your legs feel heavy or swollen by evening: Doctors reveal 5 circulation problems to watch for
- 8 national parks that are home to the most iconic natural landmarks
- How to make classic South Indian Onion Masala Dosa for dinner
- Inside Hardik Pandya’s luxurious car collection: 5 cars that define his style
- 5 surprising facts about Mount Everest most climbers won’t tell you
- Women's Day 2026: Meet the boss ladies of Bollywood: Gauri Khan, Maheep Kapoor, Sussanne Khan and other successful star wives
- ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, ‘Laapataa Ladies’, ‘Piku’: Women oriented films to watch on OTT this Women's Day
- Shah Rukh, Gauri and Suhana's coordinated couture glam at Arjun Tendulkar's wedding was pure fashion theatre moment
Up Next
Start a Conversation
Post comment