The PFL has cut ties with Francis Ngannou, with the former UFC heavyweight champion becoming a free agent.
The promotion announced the news on Friday:
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 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 news was broken by Mike Pendleton from Sherdog.
Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 due to a “sunset clause” in his contract, allowing him to exit while still holding the heavyweight championship. Ngannou detailed his negotiations with the UFC, including advocating for health insurance and other fighter perks.
He signed with the PFL in May 2023 with a unique deal involving an equity stake, guaranteed his opponent would earn seven figures, and provided Ngannou with a role on its advisory board. The deal was non-exclusive for combat sports, allowing Ngannou to have major boxing fights with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
The PFL deal only led to one fight for the heavyweight star, defeating Renan Ferreira in October 2024.
Ngannou, 39, would be considered the lineal UFC heavyweight champion after beating Stipe Miocic for the title in March 2021.
