“UFC Needs to Bring Him Back” – Fans React as Francis Ngannou Parts Ways With PFL After Lacklustre Tenure

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou leaves the PFL after signing with promotion in 2023 and only fighting once in three years.

“UFC Needs to Bring Him Back” – Fans React as Francis Ngannou Parts Ways With PFL After Lacklustre Tenure

Francis Ngannou exits PFL (via MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Francis Ngannou has officially parted ways with PFL after only one fight in three years.
  • Fans are calling for Ngannou's return to the UFC, despite his strained relationship with Dana White.
  • Ngannou, now a free agent, has multiple opportunities in MMA and boxing following his release.

When Francis Ngannou joined the UFC, hopes were high that the heavyweight division would finally see a major resurgence. The Cameroonian fighter quickly became a draw, but that momentum ended when he vacated the UFC title and left the promotion in 2023. He then signed with PFL, aiming for a fresh new chapter in his career. Now, he has left PFL after only one fight in three years and long periods of inactivity.

Ngannou rose through the UFC ranks after starting in local French promotions, often training with little equipment due to living in poverty. However, his raw talent quickly made him a standout in the heavyweight division, and he became one of the most dangerous power punchers in the UFC. Highlight-reel knockouts over fighters like Alistair Overeem and Jairzinho Rozenstruik cemented his reputation.

Ngannou won the UFC heavyweight championship from Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 in 2021 and defended it against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. He left UFC in January 2023 over contractual disputes, seeking better pay and freedom to box outside his contract. PFL offered the terms he wanted, and he signed in May 2023. After only one fight during his 1,024-day stay, Ngannou has now been released.

Breaking: Francis Ngannou and PFL have officially parted ways, per promotional sources. Ngannou is free to sign anywhere right away. First reported by @MP2310.

Ariel Helwani via X

Ngannou’s only fight under the PFL banner came against Renan Ferreira in October 2024. He won the bout by first-round TKO, capturing the PFL Heavyweight Super Fights Championship in his debut. The victory was also closely scrutinized, as many felt the referee, Dan Miragliotta, had stopped the bout too late. Ngannou dedicated the win to his late son Kobe, honoring his memory in the post-fight celebration.

Questions regarding Ngannou’s professionalism have been a hot topic in recent months. UFC CEO Dana White was asked if the promotion would ever re-sign the Cameroonian fighter. White revealed that Ngannou had physically assaulted him and UFC CBO Hunter Campbell over demands for higher pay and additional amenities. These incidents added to scrutiny about his conduct outside competition.

‘The Predator’ is now a 39-year-old free agent with multiple opportunities available across MMA and boxing. He earned significant money from his boxing matches against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Fellow knockout artist Deontay Wilder has publicly called him out for a potential bout. With age and his career stage in mind, Francis Ngannou has few fighting years left, and his next steps remain uncertain.

Fans react to Francis Ngannou leaving the PFL after years of inactivity

Many fans are calling for the UFC to re-sign Francis Ngannou, particularly with the UFC White House event approaching. Ngannou has also expressed interest in competing at the event. However, others point to his strained relationship with UFC CEO Dana White as a major hurdle to any potential return. Social media and online discussions reflect mixed opinions on whether the deal could be arranged.

Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou (via Gymshark)

Francis Ngannou has faced scrutiny for fighting only once under the PFL banner, raising questions about his professionalism and work ethic. Fans have debated his commitment and reliability in online discussions. This has also led to broader speculation about his personality and approach to competition. Many social media users have harshly called him out, criticizing his extended periods of inactivity.

Fans continue to speculate about Ngannou’s next venture in combat sports. While some call for a return to the UFC, others have suggested he could sign with ONE Championship. A portion of fans believe he may fully transition into boxing, attracted by higher pay and more lucrative contracts. Overall, discussions reflect curiosity and debate over which path Francis Ngannou will take next.

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