Has Francis Ngannou retired from MMA? Know everything about Predator’s future in fighting 

Has Francis Ngannou retired from MMA? Know everything about Predator’s future in fighting 

Did Francis Ngannou retire from MMA (via Instagram)

Francis Ngannou is one of the hardest punchers in the history of UFC. He could knock anyone out if he landed his punches cleanly. Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 to pursue a career in boxing. He will make a huge amount for his upcoming boxing bout against Tyson Fury. The money he makes from boxing has led some fans to question whether Francis Ngannou has retired from MMA. It is an interesting question. Ngannou could make more money in boxing than in MMA.

Before switching to boxing, Ngannou reigned as a dominant fighter in the UFC heavyweight division. He knocked out Junior dos Santos, Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, and Stipe Miocic en route to winning the UFC gold. At UFC 270, he defended his title against Ciryl Gane in an exciting five-round fight. Following the title defense, Ngannou and the UFC had a failed contract negotiation. It led Ngannou to leave the UFC. Find out if Francis Ngannou retired from MMA.

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Has Francis decided to retire from MMA?

Francis Ngannou did not retire from MMA. He signed a multi-million dollar deal with the PFL. Ngannou will make his PFL debut in 2024 in the Superfight division. The Superfight division of the PFL promises an exciting action. The Superfight division will feature the likes of Jake Paul and Amanda Serrano.

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Francis Ngannou signing the PFL contract after leaving the UFC
Francis Ngannou signing the PFL contract after leaving the UFC (via Francis Ngannou Instagram)

Ngannou will likely headline the first PFL PPV featuring the Superfight division in 2024. He would still pursue boxing bouts in between. However, the first order of business for Ngannou in 2024 would be his PFL in-ring debut.

Who will Francis Ngannou face for his MMA return?

Francis Ngannou could face anyone for his PFL debut. The Predator’s PFL contract guarantees a salary of $2 million for his opponent. Hence, any free-agent fighter could make the switch to compete against Ngannou.

Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou (Image Courtesy – lejournaldelafrique)

Bellator could be up for sale, and many capable heavyweight fighters are in the promotion. If PFL acquires Bellator, fighters such as Ryan Bader and Linton Vassell could become potential options for Ngannou in the PFL.

Other than that, Fabricio Werdum and Junior dos Santos are the remaining best options for Ngannou. Werdum and Junior are former UFC champions. They are still fighting at a high level, even after turning 40. Meanwhile, some UFC heavyweight fighters could leave the promotion in 2024 to set up a fight against the Predator. Anything could happen from now till Ngannou’s PFL debut.

FAQs

Did Francis Ngannou retire from MMA?

No. He will return in 2024.

Where will Francis Ngannou fight for his MMA return?

He will fight in the PFL.

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