Francis Ngannou Absence at PFL Africa Might Harm Relationship with Founder

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou gets into hot water as PFL founder Donn Davis shows disappointment.

Francis Ngannou Absence at PFL Africa Might Harm Relationship with Founder

Donn Davis slams Francis Ngannou for not attending PFL Africa (via X/Imago)

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Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou’s exit from the promotion in early 2023 was extremely shocking for the MMA community. While many experts criticized this move, they were proven wrong after seeing him sign a multi-million dollar deal with PFL.

The Cameroonian-French fighter’s collaboration with UFC’s biggest rival was expected to bring several major future endeavours; however, the plans have not unfolded as originally anticipated. Recently, PFL successfully hosted its much-anticipated Africa event, a project they had been actively working on and promoting for a significant time.

The event turned out to be a major success, attracting around 5000 fans for the quarterfinals of both bantamweight and heavyweight tournaments. However, PFL Africa chairman Francis Ngannou was absent, and it didn’t sit well with founder Donn Davis, who openly expressed his frustration. 

You have to ask Francis [why he was not present]. I’m not going to hide it – I expected him. This is part of his vision, so that all those fighters out there don’t have to leave the continent like he did. We worked for two years. I’m direct and say what I think. I’m disappointed. 

Donn Davis via ESPN

Ngannou had previously promised to use his platform and influence to actively promote mixed martial arts across Africa with the PFL. His vision included developing local talent, hosting major events, and creating opportunities for African fighters to showcase their skills on an international stage.

This commitment was seen as a significant step towards establishing Africa as a recognized and respected hub for global MMA competition. However, this unexpected turn has left many fans and analysts questioning the long-term vision and execution of Ngannou’s high-profile partnership with PFL.

‘The Predator’ hasn’t competed since his PFL debut in October 2024, where he stopped Renan Ferreira in one round to win the heavyweight gold. That fight marked his return to MMA action after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus following his UFC departure due to a contract dispute.

Francis Ngannou’s PFL move was criticized by UFC CEO 

After Francis Ngannou’s UFC departure, Dana White and the former champion engaged in a nasty feud, exchanging personal insults and controversial public accusations. Ngannou entered professional boxing, boasting he earned more from one match than his entire UFC career, further intensifying their already bitter rivalry.

Donn Davis slams Francis Ngannou for not attending PFL Africa (via X/Imago)
Donn Davis slams Francis Ngannou for not attending PFL Africa (via XImago)

White retaliated by calling Ngannou a bad person and alleging he deliberately avoided a long-anticipated heavyweight super fight against Jon Jones. During the iconic Sphere event, White proudly revealed that the UFC had invested approximately $20 million, showcasing their massive commitment.

Donn Davis claimed they matched that investment for Ngannou’s debut, attempting to highlight PFL’s growing ambitions in combat sports. White dismissed Davis’ remarks as mere fluff, sharply criticizing the PFL boss and questioning the credibility of his bold statements.

I think when you’re losing as much money as they are, f***ing go for it. F***ing throw the kitchen sink at it. This guy [co-founder Donn Davis] just came out recently and said, ‘We’re going to spend more money than they did on the Sphere.’ That sounds f***ing brilliant. How many tickets are you going to sell? Yeah, they’re not very bright. Yeah. So if I were them, listen, it’s all fair. Knock yourself out. They’re drowning. They suck. I mean, they’re not good at what they do.

Dana White via UFC Presser

Davis has fueled the narrative that PFL and UFC are rivals, comparing them to Pepsi and Coca-Cola in global competition. White refused to acknowledge that claim, insisting that no promotion, including PFL, stands as legitimate competition to the UFC’s global dominance. Although Ngannou joined PFL, several stars like Kayla Harrison and Patricio Pitbull left, making PFL’s growth questionable.

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