Francis Ngannou is officially headed back to MMA. On Monday, it was confirmed that the former UFC heavyweight champion will take on Philipe Lins in a five-round heavyweight contest on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
The bout joins the already announced Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano main event on a historic card that will stream live on Netflix. Per ESPN, Ngannou vs. Lins will serve as the co-main event for Most Valuable Promotions’ inaugural MMA show, listed on the official event graphic as a 5×5 professional MMA bout.
For Ngannou, the fight marks his first MMA appearance since he stopped Renan Ferreira in the first round to win the PFL Super Fights heavyweight championship in October 2024. He parted ways with the PFL earlier this month, making his landing spot on the May 16 card his first bout as a free agent.
Lins enters the matchup with experience across the UFC, Bellator, and PFL. ESPN noted that the Brazilian won the 2018 PFL heavyweight tournament and previously put together a four-fight winning streak in the UFC from 2022 to 2024.
According to ESPN, the contest will be contested under the Unified Rules of MMA inside a hexagon cage with 4-ounce gloves. With Ngannou now officially added, the May 16 lineup has become one of the most high-profile MMA events of 2026.
The relationship between the PFL and Francis Ngannou reached an end when the two sides cut ties on the morning of March 6, bringing a disappointing end to a massive contract signed.
The news was first reported by Mike Pendleton of Sherdog.
BREAKING: @PFLMMA is releasing superstar heavyweight Francis Ngannou
Ngannou departed the UFC to join PFL in 2023 with a game-changing contract. He was chairman of PFL Africa, won a PFL SuperFights Title in 2024.
“The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou,” the statement reads. “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 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.”
The PFL signed Ngannou to a massive contract in May 2023, four months following Ngannou’s public departure from the UFC as heavyweight champion. The contract, for the then-PFL “Super Fights” pay-per-view division, had various provisions that included Ngannou guaranteeing opponents a $2 million minimum payday, as well as serving on the PFL’s global advisory board and as chairman of PFL Africa.
Ngannou was allowed to compete in boxing as part of this deal as well. He fought twice in the boxing ring, going to a decision in a loss to then-WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and getting knocked out by former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Ngannou only fought once in the PFL, knocking out Renan Ferreira for the PFL Super Fights heavyweight championship at the 2024 Battle of the Giants event.
The tumultuousness in the relationship between Ngannou and the PFL was also seen when he did not appear for the first two PFL Africa events last year. Ngannou openly criticized the promotion for not focusing on Africa-born fighters.
In recent months, the PFL has gone through a restructuring period, parting ways with various members of their organization that included longtime president Ray Sefo and founder Donn Davis, who stepped down from his role.
Ngannou is an immediate free agent, able to sign with whatever promotion he chooses.
Francis Ngannou is actively preparing for his return to MMA, with his head coach Eric Nicksick revealing that the former UFC heavyweight champion is in the best shape of his career.
Ngannou, who captured the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title with a first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira in October 2024, has one fight remaining on his PFL contract. According to Nicksick, “The Predator” is fully committed to getting back in the cage in 2026.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, Nicksick shared details about his recent conversations with the 39-year-old Cameroonian knockout artist.
“We talk all the time and he was out in Dubai, he’s back in Cameroon, he’s coming back to Vegas here soon,” Nicksick said. “Francis always holds his cards close to the chest and I just know Francis. He’s a guy that he’s going to call me up on a Sunday and say, ‘Hey, we’re fighting Friday.’ It’s one of those things with him. We talked recently and that’s basically what he said. He goes, ‘Hey, Bubba, I want to come back and get back into MMA.’”
Nicksick was particularly impressed by Ngannou’s current physical condition, noting a dramatic transformation in the heavyweight’s physique.
“He’s the lightest I’ve ever seen him,” Nicksick revealed. “He called and FaceTimed, I saw his face right away and it was like chiseled. Usually, he’s like a little bit more plump and he’s been eating and stuff like that, but his knee is feeling good, so he’s getting his roadwork. He’s training every day and his weight was down.”
When Nicksick inquired about potential upcoming fights, Ngannou confirmed he’s working on several options.
“I was like, ‘Yo, we got something coming up?’ And he goes, ‘Yeah, I’m working on a few things.’ So hopefully, we see him back in the cage in 2026. And then the sky’s the limit for him, man.”
PFL Planning ‘Something Very Special’ for Ngannou
Last month, PFL CEO John Martin confirmed the promotion is working on a major matchup for Ngannou’s final contracted fight.
“I’ve spoken to Francis a number of times, he knows we’re working on something very special for him,” Martin told MMA Fighting. “Francis knows that we’re looking forward to him fighting in 2026, relatively soon hopefully and we’re trying to put something together that’s very special for him. He’s got one more fight under his contract and we’ll see what happens after that.”
The most logical opponent for Ngannou appears to be Vadim Nemkov, who became the PFL heavyweight champion by submitting Renan Ferreira in the first round in December. Ngannou has previously mentioned Nemkov as a potential opponent, and the Russian two-division champion has expressed interest in the matchup.
“I think about Francis and the possibility of fighting him,” Nemkov told MMA Junkie. “If that’s what my next fight is then great. It’s really for PFL to set up and make it work.”
UFC Return Remains Unlikely
Despite Ngannou recently indicating a willingness to return to the UFC for the promotion’s planned White House event in June 2026, Dana White has made it clear that a reunion isn’t happening. Ngannou even suggested he’d be willing to fight Jon Jones at the event.
White quickly dismissed any possibility of bringing Ngannou back when asked about the fighter’s comments.
“I don’t know how I can make it anymore f—ing clear,” White told The Mac Life while laughing.
Nicksick expressed hope that the two sides could eventually reconcile.
“I know what Francis brings to me and my family, and the way that he treats me, and that’s the way I judge him by his character. Same with Dana. Dana’s been nothing but nice and great to me. I wish that somewhere down the line that these two could mend those fences, just on a personal level.”
What’s Next for Ngannou?
With his PFL contract nearing its end, Ngannou will become a free agent after his next fight. The former UFC champion has options in both MMA and boxing, having previously expressed interest in a bout with Deontay Wilder.
For now, Ngannou appears focused on his MMA return. His demolition of Ferreira in 2024 proved he remains a force in the heavyweight division, and a clash with Nemkov would provide another high-profile opponent to add to his resume.
Ngannou’s record stands at 18-3 in MMA. He left the UFC in 2023 after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract following his unanimous decision victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Since then, he has lost boxing matches to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua before returning to MMA with his dominant PFL victory.
PFL CEO John Martin is hoping to gain clarity into what the future is for the promotion and Francis Ngannou, who has not fought since the PFL Battle of the Giants event in October 2024.
Part of that press release stated that the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title Ngannou won last year was a “special, one-time designation” and that “going forward, those belts may be used only for occasional special events.”
Martin, who took over as the new CEO of PFL this past July, added that “importantly, I will be engaging directly with Francis to determine what’s next for him in the PFL.”
John Martin To “Engage Directly” With Francis Ngannou Over Future
After his UFC departure at the start of 2023, Ngannou and the PFL agreed to a contract in May, with Ngannou competing in the pay-per-view Super Fights division and receiving perks such as becoming the owner and chairman of the PFL Africa promotion and being a member of the PFL’s global advisory board.
Ngannou’s fight with Ferreira, however, has been the only fight he’s had in the PFL thus far. Ngannou, meanwhile, competed twice in boxing, nearly upsetting then-WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October 2023 before getting knocked out by Anthony Joshua in March 2024.
The relationship with the PFL and Ngannou, however, has seemed to hit a bit of a rocky road. PFL Chairman Donn Davis expressed disappointment in Ngannou for not attending either of the first two PFL Africa events this summer. Ngannou would respond on The Ariel Helwani Show in August, expressing disappointment in how the PFL Africa brand has been built in comparison to the vision he had for it. Ngannou specifically noted not as much of a focus on African fighters as he preferred.
Since John Martin took the reigns of the PFL during the summer, many in the MMA community have wondered what changes could potentially come under the new CEO. And it appears that Martin’s first mission is to address the PFL’s championship situation.
After a 2025 season that was filled with uncertainty over what would happen with Bellator champions, the re-branding of the regular season to the World Tournament and making championships for them and PFL world titles, Martin is looking to make things simple.
“My goal is clear: one champion, one division, one world title, a system that is simple for athletes to chase and for PFL fans to follow,” Martin said in a press release.
The PFL’s champions originally were determined annually through the regular season-and-playoffs format that was in effect from the inaugural 2018 season through 2024. The championship pictures, however, became more complicated over the past couple of years since the PFL’s purchase of Bellator in November 2023. Bellator champions defended their titles in Bellator Champions Series branded events, which became PFL Champions Series events following the full dissolution of the Bellator brand.
PFL CEO John Martin Clarifies PFL Championship Picture
Martin stated that the annual champions did create “some confusion about who truly sat atop of each division” and admitted the handling of Bellator’s brand and champions left “fans unclear on who was the definitive champion in each weight class.”
“We are now simplifying our championship system,” Martin said. Going forward, each division will have one PFL World Champion, the single, undisputed titleholder in that weight class.”
A PFL middleweight champion was crowned at PFL Cape Town in July, which saw Costello Van Steenis score a last-minute, come-from-behind submission of Johnny Eblen to win the title. The rematches between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Huges and Corey Anderson and Dovlet Yagshimuradov to be held next week at PFL Champions Series 3 will determine the PFL lightweight and light heavyweight champions, respectively.
Martin additionally announced two world title fights to be held at the 2025 PFL Europe Championships in December — a PFL heavyweight title fight between former Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov and 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira, and a women’s featherweight title fight that will see the legendary Cris Cyborg face Sara Collins.
The PFL title picture may have more confusion thanks to the PFL Battle of the Giants event held in October 2024, which saw Francis Ngannou beat Ferreira for the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title and Cyborg defeat Larissa Pacheco for the PFL Super Fights women’s featherweight title.
Martin, however, claimed these title were special one-off titles that could be used occasionally for special events. Martin further claimed he will speak with Ngannou about what is next for him and the PFL.
Former heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder has once again called for a showdown with Francis Ngannou.
As we know, Deontay Wilder is one of the hardest hitters in the history of professional boxing. He has done some incredible things throughout the course of his career and while a lot of people believe that he’s done at the elite level, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ seems to be interested in at least one more fight.
One name that comes to mind for Deontay Wilder to face is none other than Francis Ngannou. The former UFC heavyweight champion has already faced Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in the middle of the ring, and it only makes sense for him to complete the hat-trick.
In a recent interview, Deontay Wilder reiterated his desire to throw down with ‘The Predator’, potentially in Africa.
Deontay Wilder sends a message to Francis Ngannou 👀
“Francis, let’s get it on baby… once and for all. Your power against my power.”
“Hey baby, Francis, let’s get it on baby. If you serious about what you saying, for I am serious about what I’m saying. Let’s get it on once and for all. Your power against my power. Let’s test it out baby. Hey, if you down, I’m down. We can go to the motherland too, baby. AFRICA!”
Wilder will be aware of the power that will come back his way when facing Ngannou, but Deontay has taken on heavy hitters before. So long as he can ease his way into the fight and take things at his own pace, he stands a great chance of picking up the win.
Francis Ngannou has responded to Donn Davis’ discontentment surrounding the former’s lack of presence at PFL Africa events but ‘the Predator’ has his own grievances. Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, the lineal MMA heavyweight champion covered multiple topics including issues that he had with the presentation of the July 19th PFL Africa card that was headlined by Johnny Eblen taking on Costello Van Steenis for the middleweight belt.
Ngannou expressed issues with the earlier portion of the card receiving the PFL Africa branding while the main card was labelled Road to Dubai Champions Series. This perception of the PFL Africa brand not getting the predominant focus resulted in Ngannou not attending the card with PFL figurehead Donn Davis later mentioning his disappointment that the PFL Africa chairman was not in attendance.
While mentioning that he predominantly engages with Peter Murray and other PFL executives while quipping that he rarely speaks with Davis himself, Ngannou said,
“We have a good relationship with PFL; it’s just that sometimes things don’t run smoothly. Sometimes we don’t agree, but that’s how it works. It’s about making things right so that the vision can come together.”
“The problem is cultural. There’s a culture difference, and they are struggling to understand the African culture aspect of things. I have to make sure that is being considered.”
“I wasn’t very okay with the first PFL Africa event seeming to be like an undercard. I hope PFL Africa debut would have at least have its glory, its moment. That wasn’t my decision, and I wasn’t done for it, but I expressed my feeling to them.”
Francis Ngannou addresses his thoughts on the second PFL Africa card
Francis Ngannou was not happy with the July 19th card that also featured big names like Dakota Ditcheva but the August 9th PFL Africa card seemed to fit his vision of things with a predominant focus on African mixed martial artists. That being said, the former UFC heavyweight champion and current PFL champ also did not attend that sophomore PFL Africa card and when offering up his thoughts on the sophomore effort from this branch of PFL’s global expansion, Francis Ngannou stated [via MMA Junkie],
“Matter of circumstances, and again, we were still working on it. This is not the only event. PFL Africa is something that is made to be run forever. So, as we take the time that it takes to set things up right, then the company will run properly. So, I don’t have any problem with that. I don’t have any problem with going, as long as we get things right and feel comfortable. Because I’m going there, stepping forward, putting myself in line as a guarantee. So,at least I’m going to make sure I’m going to stand by what I’m saying.”
Absolutely brutal Question Mark kick in the second fight of PFL Africa 🤯#PFLAfrica
A crossover boxing bout between former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul is moving closer to reality, amid serious negotiations, as recent remarks from former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou suggest.
Anthony Joshua Vs. Jake Paul
PFL world champion, and veteran boxer, Ngannou recently stated, in an interview with Ariel Helwani: “Regarding the Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight, serious talks have happened. It seems crazy, but people want to see it.” This statement adds fuel to the growing buzz surrounding the potential fight.
Anthony Joshua, age 35, has a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses, with 25 of those wins coming by knockout. Known for his Olympic gold medal from 2012 and his reign as a heavyweight champion, Joshua remains a top contender in boxing. His recent campaigns include a March 2024 second-round knockout win over Francis Ngannou and a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Despite recent setbacks, Joshua retains high rankings globally in the heavyweight division, including No. 3 in the WBC and No. 5 in both The Ring and the IBF rankings. He does not currently have a scheduled fight but has been linked to potential opponents such as Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Andy Ruiz Jr.
Jake Paul, on the other hand, has carved out a unique niche in boxing since crossing over from his career as an influencer. As of mid-2025, Paul has fought 12 professional boxing matches, winning 11 and losing just once. Seven of his victories came by knockout. He has defeated a blend of retired MMA fighters and professional boxers and recently scored points victories against notable names like Mike Tyson in November 2024 and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June 2025. Paul’s self-promotion and ability to draw large viewing numbers have made him one of the most commercially viable, albeit controversial, figures in combat sports.
Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has also publicly commented on the fight’s potential, describing it as a “very real” possibility with about a 50/50 chance of happening. Hearn highlighted ongoing positive discussions with Jake Paul’s team, with both camps reportedly aware of the crossover appeal the fight would generate. Hearn believes Paul is confident in his chances to be competitive or even win. Given Joshua’s status as a former world champion and Paul’s rising profile, the fight carries significant financial and promotional promise.
Ngannou, who himself recently fought Joshua and brought attention to the power each fighter possesses, shows the public’s fascination with the prospective bout. Though the fight may seem unexpected to some due to their very different backgrounds, Ngannou’s observes that “people want to see it.”
Francis Ngannou’s inactivity compels an MMA analyst to advise PFL for drastic measures with the heavyweight division.
“The Predator” inked his deal with PFL in May 2023, securing several exclusive perks, including being named chairman of PFL Africa with the responsibility of spearheading MMA’s growth across the continent. However, when PFL Africa finally launched with a sold-out debut in Cape Town this July, Ngannou was conspicuously absent.
Image: @francis_ngannou/X
Francis Ngannou’s absence from the Cape Town debut didn’t sit well with PFL chairman Donn Davis, who openly voiced his disappointment over the Cameroonian’s no-show at such a landmark event.
“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 disappointed.”
John McCarthy Suggests PFL Should Shut Down Heavyweight Division With Francis Ngannou On Sidelines
During a recent episode of the Weighing In podcast alongside former UFC fighter Josh Thomson, “Big” John McCarthy criticized Francis Ngannou for failing to live up to his PFL deal, pointing out that “The Predator” has fought just once in the past two years.
With Ngannou stuck on the sidelines, the veteran MMA analyst argued that the PFL heavyweight division lacks the depth to justify its existence and suggested the promotion should instead invest its resources into other weight classes.
“It’s a glamour division with no talent,” McCarthy said. “Let’s just be honest, OK? Why do you have it? You have the ability to put in a flyweight division. You finally put in the bantamweights: Way to go. That was a smart thing. You’ve got some really good, talented people in that. Open up the 125-pound division. Take the heavyweights, get rid of it.
“Be honest, (the UFC’s) whole (heavyweight) lineup, it’s just not that good. You can take a look at the PFL’s lineup. Yes, Francis is a good fighter… Get rid of it. All it does is cost you way more money than it’s worth for your promotion. Get rid of the heavyweights, put in all the other weight classes. Have 125, ’35, ’45, ’55 – you’ll have it all the way to 205. You don’t need the heavyweights because they’re not doing anything for you, and Francis is not doing anything as far as what he was supposedly contracted for.”
Francis Ngannou’s lone outing inside the SmartCage came at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in October 2024, where he stopped Renan Ferreira via first-round TKO to capture the PFL super heavyweight title.
Since parting ways with the UFC, however, “The Predator” has shifted his focus to boxing, suffering back-to-back defeats in high-profile bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Is Tom Aspinall vs. Francis Ngannou on the table? Tom Aspinall, the undisputed UFC heavyweight king and poster child for “I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime,” has publicly declared he’s ready to defend his title against none other than Francis Ngannou. Yes, that Francis Ngannou – the man still regarded as the lineal UFC champion (he never lost his belt in the Octagon), newly-minted PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Champion, and possibly the most dangerous puncher the heavyweight division has ever known.
Tom Aspinall vs. Francis Ngannou
On paper, a clash between Aspinall and Ngannou is combat sports fantasy writ large. You’ve got the reigning champ with British steel, technical ability, and the self-proclaimed willingness to “never turn down a fight,” up against the immovable Cameroonian juggernaut who KO’d his way out of the UFC and into a new era at PFL. Ngannou may have swapped UFC gold for PFL millions, but many in the MMA world still see him as the true lineal king.
And Aspinall? He’s almost taunting fate. “The day I start ducking out of fights and turning opponents down is the day I’m going to retire,” he reaffirmed, clearly not planning an early exit from the champion’s hot seat. “I’ll fight anyone. I’ll fight anytime and I’ll fight anywhere. Never turned down a fight in my life. Never will.”
In a recent interview, Tom Aspinall was easked about Francis Ngannou and explained:
“I’m not sure on his circumstances… I know he didn’t have the best relationship with the UFC, so I don’t know if that’s repairable. But like I said, I’ll fight anybody. He’s very, very dangerous. I think I’m a smart fighter with a good fight IQ, and I think I could navigate that danger well. But, man, you never know. This is heavyweight MMA at the top level. You never know until you get in there. It’s a fight I’d definitely be interested in.”
But before Dana White gets too excited, here’s the rub: Ngannou’s UFC exit was as storied as it was messy. He left in 2022 after the two sides couldn’t agree on contract terms – Ngannou wanted more freedom, the ability to box, better pay for himself and all fighters, and a bit of good, old-fashioned respect from the top brass. The UFC? Not exactly in the business of co-promoting or bending the rules for departing stars, no matter the payday.
Ngannou’s current PFL deal is equally ironclad – exclusive, lucrative, and, crucially, not constructed to let him stroll into the Octagon for a one-night-only grudge match. Both camps have the legal teams on speed dial; any “crossover” bout would require unprecedented cooperation. And, yes, plenty of zeroes on the checks.
Francis Ngannou‘s trainer Dewey Cooper has said that ‘The Predator’ would absolutely be open to the idea of a superfight against Jon Jones.
For the longest time now, Francis Ngannou has been seen as one of the best heavyweights in mixed martial arts – and the same is true for Jon Jones. At one point, it seemed inevitable that the two would collide in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Unfortunately for everyone involved, that never quite came to fruition. Instead, Jones defeated Ciryl Gane and Stipe Miocic, whereas Francis made his way over to PFL.
Now, they find themselves in two different promotions, with Francis Ngannou making it known that he would be happy to cross-promote with PFL and UFC in order to get this fight over the finish line. Jones, meanwhile, has also hinted at the same thing during a recent series of tweets.
During a recent interview with Slingo Online Slots, the aforementioned Dewey Cooper had his say on the proposed showdown.
Dewey Cooper’s view on Francis Ngannou vs Jon Jones
“Francis Ngannou versus Jon Jones, that’s the MMA fight that the world wants to see. That’s the Mayweather versus Pacquiao fight that the world wants to see in mixed martial arts. “I truly feel if you asked me if he’s willing to go to the table with a co-promotion, absolutely he would, because he wants that fight with Jon Jones as bad as anyone wants it.
“I’m sure he’s willing to negotiate some kind of partnership to do it. And if the business truly made sense, I think even if Dana would too – if it really made good business. “I don’t think Dana would be pig-headed to say no, but it has to be done a certain way, or there’s no way it could happen.”
Xtreme Couture coach Eric Nicksick has clarified comments he made recently about Francis Ngannou possibly making his return to the UFC.
As we know, Francis Ngannou’s focus recently has been on PFL. While he’s competed in the promotion, he’s also enjoyed a side venture in the world of professional boxing. Recently, however, Eric Nicksick has made remarks suggesting that at some point in the future, ‘The Predator’ could make his way back to the UFC.
In another interview, Nicksick decided to clarify what he meant as fans continue to wonder what could come next for the great Francis Ngannou.
Eric Nicksick clarifies Francis Ngannou comments
“It was kind of a question of, with fandom, like, what scenarios would be great. Of course I’m always going to say Francis and Jon are the best competition out there,” Nicksick told MMA Fighting. “So Francis texts me like one of those like, just a clickbait [headlined article], and he’s like, ‘Bubba, did you say this? I’m like, ‘No.’
“It was like basically, ‘Francis Ngannou wants back in the UFC.’ That’s all. I’m like, bro, ‘What kind of non-f*cking journalistic post was this, dude?’ It was crazy, but yeah, we had a laugh about it because Francis and I are actually on the phone talking about some other stuff and then he’s like, ‘Oh shit, look, Jones just tweeted,’ so we’re kind of laughing about it.”
“I’m a fan of the sport. That’s all. I’m a fan of Tom, I want to see Tom get his shot. He’s earned it, he’s deserved it, but I think the heavyweight division is in a tough place right now. It really is. And that’s just me talking about what can revitalize this division that needs some help, and there’s some options out there.
“I don’t know Francis’s contract deal with the PFL, I don’t know any of that stuff. That’s just like me and you just chopping it up and I’m telling you how I perceive it and how I see it, and if that option is always available, Francis is a businessman, that’s all I know.”
Francis Ngannou is calling on Jon Jones to finally settle the long-standing debate over who truly wears the crown as the undisputed baddest man in heavyweight MMA.
Despite numerous efforts from both camps, the highly anticipated superfight never took shape. Frustrated by how he was treated during his reign as UFC heavyweight champion, “The Predator” chose to vacate his belt and sign with the PFL, sidelining the prospects of the the potential bout.
However, Ngannou’s head coach, Eric Nicksick, recently expressed confidence that the Cameroonian powerhouse would “100 percent” consider a return to the UFC—especially to revitalize a division hampered by the inactivity of reigning champion Jon Jones and the sidelining of interim titleholder Tom Aspinall.
Image: PFL MMA/YouTube.
On Friday, “Bones” responded to Nicksick’s remarks on X, expressing his interest in fighting Ngannou if the stars align. He revealed that a potential bout with Ngannou would reignite his competitive fire, unlike a title unification fight against Aspinall.
“I’m hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested… now we’re talking. That’s a real super fight. A clash of champions, not just hype. He held the UFC belt, I’ve defended mine for over a decade. Two kings from different roads. Not just one legend facing a mouth that’s hot right now, but two real legacies colliding. That’s the kind of fight that actually adds something special to my story. At least from my point of view,” Jon Jones wrote on X.
I’m hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested… now we’re talking. That’s a real super fight. A clash of champions, not just hype. He held the UFC belt, I’ve defended mine for over a decade. Two kings from different roads. Not just one legend facing a mouth that’s hot right…
Francis Ngannou Responds To Jon Jones Eager To Settle Heavyweight Rivalry
On Saturday, Francis Ngannou took to X to respond to Jon Jones’ call for a potential showdown, urging “Bones” to secure the green light from the UFC while he focuses on his own commitments in the PFL. “The Predator” emphasized that their long-awaited clash would definitively determine who stands as the unquestioned heavyweight champion of the sport.
“You take care of the UFC, I’ll take care of the PFL, and we’ll finally find out who’s the KING OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT,” Ngannou wrote on X.
You take care of the UFC, I'll take care of the PFL, and we'll finally find out who's the KING OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT. 🤴 https://t.co/Zz5XwjdFtF
However, several voices within the MMA community have long championed the idea of a cross-promotional collaboration between the UFC and PFL to finally bring this dream matchup to life. Yet, the chances remain slim, as White has consistently opposed such partnerships.
According to reports, “The Predator” personally transported Manuella to the General Hospital of Yaoundé following the incident. Although doctors performed emergency surgery in an attempt to save her severely injured leg and arm, she tragically did not survive.
Days after the tragic incident, Ngannou broke his silence, issuing a heartfelt statement to TMZ Sports. The former UFC heavyweight champion said his “heart is shattered” over the “devastating loss of life” and emphasized that he has remained in close contact with the victim’s family, offering ongoing support and solace during their time of grief.
“From the very beginning, I have been by the family’s side, offering support, comfort, and deepest condolences during this time,” Francis Ngannou said. “I’ve met with them privately to share in their grief, and I will continue to stand with them every step of the way.”
“The Predator” went on to explain that he couldn’t provide further details about the accident, as the investigation is still underway. However, he made it clear that he continues to carry the emotional weight of the tragedy.
“I carry their pain with me, and my unwavering thoughts and support remain with them as they face this heartbreaking loss.”
Before making his PFL debut, the 38-year-old Cameroonian transitioned to professional boxing, where he suffered back-to-back losses against former heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Francis Ngannou’s name has reportedly become embroiled in a deeply troubling incident.
On Monday, several reports surfaced on social media claiming that Francis Ngannou was involved in a motorcycle accident in which he struck a young woman in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon.
According to a report from Le Bled Parle, a girl named Ntsama Brigitte Manuella was struck by “The Predator’s” motorcycle while returning home. The former UFC heavyweight champion is said to have rushed her to the General Hospital of Yaoundé in a desperate attempt to save her life.
However, despite undergoing emergency surgery for severe injuries to her leg and arm, Manuella tragically passed away.
🇨🇲 Francis Ngannou est lié au décès d'une jeune femme
À Omnisport, Yaoundé, Ntsama Brigitte Manuella a été percutée par une moto conduite par Francis Ngannou alors qu’elle rentrait d'une sortie entre amies. Ngannou l’a immédiatement transportée à l’hôpital Général, le plus… pic.twitter.com/GWaqkgwm09
As of now, there has been no official word from Ngannou or his team on the matter, and it is still unclear if any legal consequences will be taken against the combat sports superstar.
Before returning to MMA, Ngannou ventured into the world of professional boxing, making his debut in October 2023 against former lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Despite a stunning performance that shocked many, he suffered a razor-thin split decision loss.
The 38-year-old Cameroonian stepped into the ring again in March 2024 to face Anthony Joshua, but this time suffered a devastating second-round knockout.
It didn’t take long for Eddie Hall to pull off an absolute stunner in his professional MMA debut at KSW 105, needing just 30 seconds to put away Mariusz Pudzianowski.
In a battle of strongmen champions, Hall landed a combination mere seconds into round one that caused Pudzianowski to stumble. Pudzianowski attempted to fight back and regain his footing, but a series of continuous strikes from Hall saw him flop to the floor completely.
Hall then landed unrelenting ground-and-pound until the referee halted the action.
CO TU SIĘ WYDARZYŁO!?!?
Eddie Hall 🏴 (1-0) w pół minuty pierwszej rundy pokonuje Mariusza Pudzianowskiego 🇵🇱 (17-10) przez TKO (ciosy w parterze) w 1 rundzie na gali #KSW105pic.twitter.com/rKei3d2x0r
@eddiehallWSM defines human capability and man what a show even if it lasted 10 seconds what a debut now lets climb them ranks ! Define beast in one sentence- simple google eddie hall! Nuff said! #mma#eddiehall#strongman
Hall, who had been training with UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in the lead-up to this fight, won a number of England, Britain, and UK’s Strongest Man titles before winning the World’s Strongest Man competition in 2017. Hall competed in an exhibition boxing match in 2022, losing by decision to another strongman – Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson.
Pudzianowski, who won several World’s Strongest Man titles during the 2000s, has now dropped three straight fights. This was also his first fight in just under two years, having most recently fought at KSW 83 in June 2023, losing to Artur Szpilka.
After kicking off that expansion with PFL Europe in 2023 and adding PFL MENA (Middle East and North Africa) to the calendar in 2024, the promotion will soon launch its latest development.
Having long planned an African expansion with star signing Francis Ngannou at the helm, PFL Africa has been officially confirmed for its inaugural season in 2025.
And PFL founder Donn Davis took to X this week to reveal a launch date will soon be announced for July.
PFL Africa Launches This July!!!
32 fighters from 14 nations compete in 4 single elimination events to become PFL 2025 Africa Champion …
“PFL Africa Launches This July!!!” Davis wrote. “32 fighters from 14 nations compete in 4 single elimination events to become PFL 2025 Africa Champion … 3rd regional league from @PFLMMA May 6 major press announcement with fighter roster and event location details! #PFLMMA#PFLAfrica“
Ngannou’s role as chairman of PFL Africa was announced when he put pen to paper on a deal with the PFL in 2023, bringing to an end months of speculation regarding his future following a departure from the UFC.
While the Cameroonian has since had plenty of focus on a boxing venture, sharing the ring with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, his attention was back on the PFL last October when he made a successful debut inside the SmartCage.
According to PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis, there’s no truth behind talk of Francis Ngannou approaching a potential termination clause in his contract.
Ngannou has competed just once in the PFL since signing in May 2023 off the back of his highly publicized exit from the UFC. “The Predator” debuted by knocking out Renan Ferreira in quick time last October.
While his next appearance in the cage is expected to come under the PFL banner, journalist John Nash recently addressed a rumored termination clause that could see Ngannou leave the organization as early as this month during his Hey, Not The Face podcast.
“If it’s true that his contract has a termination date and that termination date is the end of this month, they better get on that!” Nash said. “Because this is one of their major selling points, and if they’re looking for a big TV deal after UFC maybe leaves (ESPN), you’re gonna need Francis Ngannou to get that sale. That just shows you in some ways the message are communicating to the CEOs and in the corporate world, those are things that we as fans that know the sport would see through, but they don’t.”
It didn’t take long for Davis to attempt to quash such speculation on social media, writing on X that talk of Francis Ngannou departing the PFL soon is nothing but “fake news.”
No truth, fake news. Francis has at least one more fight with @PFLMMA
Ngannou’s transition from MMA to professional boxing has generated significant attention. It’s not often that you see a top fighter in the UFC move into boxing in his prime.
Ngannou, known for his incredible punching power in the UFC, had long been interested in boxing. He made his debut in the ring against Tyson Fury in October 2023. This was a very high-profile fight, and Ngannou surprised many by putting on a very good performance and even knocking Fury down.
After losing via a controversial split decision, the Cameroonian then faced Anthony Joshua last March, falling to defeat by second-round knockout. Now, he’s looking ahead.
During an interview with SpaceportSweden.com, Deontay Wilder’s coach, Malik Scott, spoke about the potential fight between the two heavyweights.
“I haven’t seen Ngannou work enough with 10 ounce gloves on in a boxing ring. Is he a big, strong, heavy-handed guy? Yes. But with Deontay, Deontay’s power is blessed because he gets to the target so fast. He puts his hip through you, he puts his shoulder through. It’s just so many different dynamics with the way Deontay has always knocked guys out.
“He has a long resume of knocking guys out cold. That didn’t happen overnight. I haven’t seen Francis Ngannou enough in a boxing ring to think his power comes close to Deontay Wilder’s. I just haven’t.”
Interestingly, Fury has previously shared the same sentiment, telling reporter Charlie Parsons than “The Bronze Bomber” had more power in his punches than “The Predator.”
Tyson Fury says that Deontay Wilder hits harder than Francis Ngannou “by a mile”
“Ngannou is a big puncher, but I wasn’t really troubled by any of his punches. It wasn’t like he was dynamite and every time he hit me I was wobbled. Just one shot to the back of the head and that… pic.twitter.com/cgtY5kAe0P
The former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger Chael Sonnen has defended UFC boss Dana White, claiming Francis Ngannou to be the roadblock in his highly-anticipated heavyweight clash with Jon Jones.
Jones vs Ngannou has easily been one of the most talked-about MMA fights for a couple of years now. However, the deal never reached fruition and differences with White led to the-then UFC heavyweight champion leaving the promotion altogether.
Following his departure from the UFC, “The Predator” explored other opportunities such as boxing fight Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He also signed with the PFL, becoming their heavyweight champion by defeating Renan Ferreira.
Despite no plans to ever return to the UFC, Ngannou believes a superfight with Jones is still not off the table. In a recent interview, he claimed that Turki Alalshikh, the current Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, could intervene and convince White to cross-promote with the PFL for this bout.
Here’s what Sonnen said while putting the blame on the former UFC heavyweight champ for avoiding the Jones fight:
“Poor Francis was in a world title fight, in the fight capital of the world, in the world’s biggest promotion, where he is going to headline. He was not the champion of the world. He wanted to be. He was going to be given that opportunity. Do you understand? Okay. Because it was at that time that it had already been announced by Dana White, this giant obstacle, that when Jon Jones returns to heavyweight, it will be for the belt. So now we don’t, now we don’t only have an obstacle, it doesn’t even fully have to do with Francis. Francis didn’t even have the belt. He was scheduled to fight Stipe, a fight that Francis had already lost. Like, we didn’t know who the champion was going to be, but whoever it was going to be, we were going to stick to the deal and the plan that when Jon comes up, Jon will contest with that person. It’s important that you understand that, because that one detail, in and of itself, that timeline excludes the possibility that Francis was being picked on. It was an open statement that Jon will contend whenever Jon comes back, if he ever comes back, right into a world title fight. That happened to be Francis. And what happened next? Jon came back. So now we have Jon, and we have Francis, and we’re going to get to see Jon versus Francis. People are talking about it. You’re talking about it. Dana’s already announced it’s going to happen.”
Sonnen, being the company-man he is, believes that White cannot be blamed at all for Ngannou and Jones not being able to settle their rivalry inside the Octagon.
Although Jones first fought at heavyweight after over a year of Ngannou’s last UFC outing, “The American Gangster” believes if “The Predator” had not parted ways with the UFC, he would’ve fought “Bones” instead of Ciryl Gane in March 2023.
“But somebody blinked. That somebody, I would view to be the obstacle in this equation. Do you agree? Because that somebody was not Dana White. That somebody was not Jon Jones. As a matter of fact, Dana White went through with the plan exactly as he had previously stated, which is that Jon went right into a title fight. And it’s important that you understand this, because Francis left. So to make believe now that you wanted to do something, when you were in a position to do it, and so now the only thing stopping this fight is Dana White.”
Ngannou is promising his fans worldwide a big comeback to combat sports. In boxing, he definitely can be a part of big fights like the Fury rematch or a possible showdown against the hard-hitting Deontay Wilder. In MMA, he’ll have the option to defend his title against the top heavyweight contenders in the promotion.
The ongoing tension between Francis Ngannou and UFC CEO Dana White continues to unfold.
After vacating his heavyweight title to explore free agency, Ngannou secured highly lucrative boxing matchups against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua following his UFC departure in 2023.
In his return to MMA, the former UFC heavyweight champion made a statement with a dominant finish over Renan Ferreira at PFL: Battle of the Giants. However, White suggested after the fight that financial incentives primarily influenced Ngannou’s career decisions.
“The Predator” believes White struggles to accept how things played out and even questions whether the UFC boss wants to see him fail outside the promotion. Regardless, Ngannou remains focused on his own path forward.
One fight he still hopes for — but doesn’t believe will happen — is a long-awaited clash with Jon Jones. According to Ngannou, White remains the biggest obstacle in making that fight a reality.
“If you can get past Dana White, it could happen, [but] that’s a massive obstacle,” Ngannou told Sportsbook Review. “But personally, I don’t care. I’m doing well. I’m doing my stuff at my pace. I don’t care. That won’t change my sleep for me.
“Finishing my career without fighting Jon Jones would be OK. I have tried to fight Jon Jones for four years since I fought Jairzinho Rozenstruik [at UFC 249] back in 2020. I’ve been trying to fight Jon Jones, and then they were holding it out like a trap until the moment that I was about to leave. Then they said, ‘OK, here’s the Jon Jones fight.’ But it was bait. I felt they were very tricky.”
Jones looked great out there tonight. Congrats Jonny boy👏🏾 I see you 😉
While Ngannou acknowledges that a fight with Jones would be an incredible spectacle, he has gradually let go of the expectation.
“Yes, Jon Jones would be a great fight, a fantastic fight,” Ngannou said. “I have always hoped for that fight, but my hope and my expectation for that fight has faded over time.
“I have a lot of fights to get a measurement of his light heavyweight career, and I have way less to look at with him as a heavyweight. I think he’s by far the best light heavyweight. His cage time as a light heavyweight was over a decade. At heavyweight, he has two fights. He has barely done three rounds.”
Although Francis Ngannou has yet to secure a victory in professional boxing, holding a 0-2 record, the former UFC heavyweight champion plans to return to the ring for his next fight.
This decision comes after his brief return to MMA, where he made his successful PFL debut last October. He comfortably defeated 2023 heavyweight season winner Renan Ferreira.
As for potential boxing opponents, Ngannou has mentioned former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder as a possibility. However, Daniel Cormier isn’t thrilled about that possibility, particularly after “The Predator’s” brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua.
“There were people picking Francis to beat Joshua,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “I love Francis, but not to insult him — Anthony Joshua felt so little threat [from Ngannou] that he, who is traditionally one of the most passive boxers in the world for a heavyweight champion, went after Francis. He didn’t feel the threat because of the lack of experience that Francis had in boxing.
“Sure, he’s going to make a boatload of money, he always does, but at what point do you go, ‘I don’t know?’ Because if you ask me, it would seem like he’s up against it again. Maybe he’s just the biggest, baddest man on the planet that we all believe, and he doesn’t care that he’s up against it. He wants to prove everyone wrong like he did the first time when he fought Tyson Fury and took him to a very close fight. But we cannot ignore the visuals of what we saw the last time, especially when he came back to MMA and fought so well.”
“DC” continued, explaining that a potential fight against Wilder presents significant challenges due to “The Bronze Bomber’s” renowned knockout power.
“People don’t hurt Francis Ngannou, but when it happened in the [Joshua] fight, he looked lost,” Cormier said. “That’s what’s concerning to me. Because I know there will be moments in that fight with Deontay Wilder, the way that he punches, where [Ngannou] is going to need to find safety.”
While Wilder isn’t known for his technical skill, his career has been defined by his devastating punching power. However, recent performances paint a different picture.
Currently on a two-fight losing skid and with only one win in his last five fights, speculation is growing about Wilder’s future. A lucrative opportunity against a less experienced boxer like Ngannou could reignite his motivation.
Cormier, who trained alongside Wilder on the U.S. Olympic team, understands firsthand the danger the former WBC heavyweight champ presents when at his best.
“I thought the most dangerous fight for Francis was Deontay Wilder because Deontay Wilder, who I was on the Olympic team with, is more free and also less technical,” Cormier said. “That’s the nice way to say Deontay Wilder’s boxing style. He’s less technical.
“So the punches may be loopy. He may throw them from odd angles. But he has this unbelievable power that allows you to go to sleep.”
BKFC founder David Feldman isn’t holding much hope of the PFL allowing heavyweight star Francis Ngannou to answer Ben Rothwell’s recent callout.
Rothwell has enjoyed a fruitful stint in bare-knuckle boxing since his lengthy tenure in the UFC reached its conclusion after 17 fights back in 2021. “Big Ben” has amassed a 4-0 record under the BKFC banner with nothing but knockouts.
His latest victory was at last month’s KnuckleMania V event in Philadelphia, where the veteran heavyweight delivered an early Knockout of the Year candidate. A violent 36-second finish of Mick Terrill secured Rothwell the BKFC heavyweight title, and all eyes will certainly now be on the 43-year-old’s next outing.
The American set his sights high during his post-fight press conference, dropping the name of former UFC champion and current PFL Super Fights titleholder Francis Ngannou as a desired opponent.
During a recent interview with MMA Knockout, the BKFC president addressed that suggestion, explaining why he doesn’t see it as a possibility despite his promotion’s willingness to do business with rival organizations like the PFL.
“That would be a fantastic payday for Ben Rothwell, and I wouldn’t be opposed to something like that happening,” Feldman said. “But I just don’t think the PFL are gonna do it.
“UFC doesn’t need us, and all the rest of the promotions really don’t want to help us out because it’s just gonna help us get bigger and bigger. So, they don’t wanna do that,” Feldman continued. “They don’t wanna partner with us because they feel it’s gonna help us and not help them as much as it could because Francis Ngannou is a big name.”
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has told friend Israel Adesanya to keep his chin up following another setback inside the cage this past Saturday.
After back-to-back losses at the hands of Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, Adesanya returned to non-title, non-pay-per-view competition on Feb. 1.
The ex-middleweight kingpin headlined the UFC’s second visit to Saudi Arabia, where he was tasked with stalling the rise of Nassourdine Imavov to avoid the first three-fight skid of his career.
“The Last Stylebender” ultimately failed in that regard, with his strong opening round being rendered null and void by a thunderous right hand from the Frenchman seconds into the second frame, which soon led to a TKO stoppage inside anb Arena.
Though understandably frustrated with another defeat, Adesanya didn’t appear too disheartened when reacting to the knockout soon after. And he’s also not short on supporters sending encouraging words, including a prominent one in the form of Ngannou.
Unforgiving sport. Champ one day, champ forever. @stylebender, we love you, man, and will always stand by your side. ❤️
“Unforgiving sport. Champ one day, champ forever,” Ngannou wrote on X. “@stylebender, we love you, man, and will always stand by your side.
“Congrats to @imavov1 for his amazing performance.”
Ngannou and Adesanya once ruled over their respective divisions in the UFC at the same time, forming a close bond as two of three reigning African champions on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.
Alongside the third, Kamaru Usman, “The Last Stylebender” walked out behind Ngannou for the Cameroonian’s memorable boxing debut opposite former WBC champion Tyson Fury back in October 2023.
Should his callout of Francis Ngannou fall on deaf ears, BKFC star Ben Rothwell looks to have at least one other high-profile option for his next fight.
Rothwell has established himself as a dominant force in bare-knuckle boxing since his 17-fight tenure under the UFC banner reached its conclusion in 2021.
“Big Ben” has gone 4-0 under the BKFC banner, with every win coming via knockout. His most recent triumph was at this past weekend’s KnuckleMania V event in Philadelphia, where the 43-year-old powerhouse delivered an early Knockout of the Year contender.
With his violent 36-second KO of Mick Terrill, Rothwell captured the BKFC heavyweight title. Plenty of eyes will no doubt now be on the veteran’s next outing, and he’s setting his sights high.
During his post-fight press conference, Rothwell name-dropped a former UFC champion and the current PFL Super Fights heavyweight titleholder as a potential opponent.
“Francis Ngannou maybe,” Rothwell said. “We need to get some big names in this. I don’t know who’s on the roster, especially after tonight, that’s jumping in to fight me. They’ll say it but when it really comes down to it and I’m standing in front of you, things change.”
Whether or not that could come to fruition remains to be seen. Ngannou is tied up with the PFL and expected to explore boxing options in 2025 following battles with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
But should that rule “The Predator” out, another former UFC heavyweight is interested in the assignment.
“U sure u want the smoke @rothwellfighter lets see it then,” Mark Hunt wrote on X.
Rothwell and Hunt are familiar with one another, having shared the Octagon at UFC 135 back in 2011. “The Super Samoan” emerged victorious at the event, outpointing his American counterpart across three rounds.
While “Big Ben” has been racking up wins in BKFC, the New Zealander hasn’t competed since defeating rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams in the boxing ring three years ago. He’s remained in the headlines due to his legal dispute with the UFC.
![BKFC President On Potential Ben Rothwell vs. Francis Ngannou Fight: ‘[PFL] Don’t Want To Partner With Us’](https://media.mmanews.com/uploads/2025/02/Francis-Ngannou-Ben-Rothwell.jpg)
