Francis Ngannou News
Deontay Wilder gives update on PFL fight with Francis Ngannou: "He knows what the deal is"
Josh Evanoff - June 29, 2023
Boxing star Deontay Wilder is still interested in facing Francis Ngannou in the PFL. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is currently looking to book his return to the boxing ring. Deontay Wilder has been out of the ring since a knockout win over Robert Helenius last Fall. Since then, he’s been linked to several high-profile fights with names such as Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr.
Francis Ngannou takes issue with Dana White's comments to Pat McAfee on failed Jon Jones fight
Chris Taylor - June 23, 2023
Francis Ngannou was not impressed by the recent comments made by UFC President Dana White on the Pat McAfee show. Ngannou (17-3 MMA) of course signed with PFL (Professional Fighters League) last month after being offered ‘equity and leadership’ roles within the company. In addition to having a seat on the athlete advisory board and the role of PFL Africa chairman, the agreement also allows for ‘The Predator’ to seek out his own boxing matches.
Eddie Hearn reveals Francis Ngannou's boxing debut could come on the same night as Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder
Josh Evanoff - June 22, 2023
Francis Ngannou might make his boxing debut on the same card as Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder. ‘The Predator’ is still waiting to make his return to combat sports, having been out of action for well over a year. In March, the former UFC champion signed with PFL, ending his high-profile free agency. Thanks to the deal, Francis Ngannou retained his right to box, which was one of the factors that forced his move.
Daniel Cormier reveals what he took away from Jon Jones-Francis Ngannou staredown: "Something changes in him"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 21, 2023
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has a takeaway from the staredown between UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and PFL star Francis Ngannou. Jon Jones attended PFL 5 inside the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, GA. He was serving as a cornerman when he ran into Francis Ngannou. “Bones” and “The Predator” had a staredown and while there was some gamesmanship, the two were cordial.
Francis Ngannou trolls Jon Jones following recent staredown at PFL event in Atlanta: "He feels the pressure"
Chris Taylor - June 17, 2023
Francis Ngannou believes Jon Jones felt “the pressure” during their staredown at last night’s PFL event in Atlanta. Both Jones (27-1 MMA) and Ngannou (17-3 MMA) were in attendance for last night’s Professional Fighters League regular season fight card in Atlanta, Georgia.
Video | Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou exchange words at PFL event in Atlanta: “You know you don’t want no smoke”
Chris Taylor - June 16, 2023
Current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former title holder Francis Ngannou exchanged words during tonight’s PFL event in Atlanta. It was only a month ago today when news broke that ‘The Predator’ had found a new home under the PFL (Professional Fighters League) banner.
Israel Adesanya believes Francis Ngannou’s split with the UFC will be short-lived: “The story's not over yet”
Susan Cox - June 14, 2023
Israel Adesanya believes Francis Ngannou’s split with the UFC will be short-lived. Ngannou and the UFC parted ways in January of this year after ongoing contract negotiations ultimately failed.
Francis Ngannou confirms "advanced discussions" with Deontay Wilder for two-fight deal
Josh Evanoff - June 13, 2023
PFL heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou has confirmed ongoing talks with Deontay Wilder. ‘The Predator’ has been out of the cage for well over a year, since his win over Ciryl Gane in January 2022. That victory went down as his last in the octagon, as he became a free agent earlier this year. In March, Ngannou signed with the PFL, ending his MMA free agency.
Deontay Wilder explains why he wants to fight Francis Ngannou in the PFL: "I can come to yours"
Josh Evanoff - June 9, 2023
Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is willing to step into the PFL smart cage. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has been out of action since his knockout win over Robert Helenius last fall. That stoppage victory was massive for the former champion, as it snapped a two-fight losing streak. Wilder had famously suffered two knockout losses at the hands of Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021.
Deontay Wilder confirms he’s had talks about fighting Francis Ngannou: “Something that could truly happen”
Harry Kettle - June 9, 2023
Heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder has confirmed that he has held talks with Francis Ngannou’s team regarding a fight between the two. When you think of heavy hitters in boxing, you think of Deontay Wilder. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is one of the most ferocious knockout artists in the history of the sport, and he’s far from done yet.
UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall labels Deontay Wilder as the most winnable boxing match for Francis Ngannou
Harry Kettle - June 6, 2023
Tom Aspinall believes Deontay Wilder serves as a winnable fight for Francis Ngannou if he ventures into the boxing world. While he may have recently signed with PFL, Francis Ngannou’s next big priority is a boxing match. He wants to test himself against the very best at heavyweight, and he wants to make the most money possible in the process.
Francis Ngannou slams Tyson Fury as talk of boxing match again resurfaces: "Stop talking, and come try"
Josh Evanoff - June 5, 2023
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is tired of Tyson Fury’s talking. ‘The Predator’ is still attempting to book his boxing debut. Last month, Ngannou ended months of media silence by ending his high-profile free agency and signing with the PFL. Earlier this year in January, the heavyweight left the UFC, vacating his championship in the process.
Chael Sonnen discusses the UFC’s heavyweight landscape following Francis Ngannou’s departure to PFL: “Francis has never drawn”
Harry Kettle - June 1, 2023
Chael Sonnen has given his thoughts on the UFC heavyweight division after Francis Ngannou’s move to PFL was confirmed. As we now all know, Francis Ngannou has signed a deal to fight for PFL. He’ll make his debut at some point in 2024, and in the meantime, he’s set to venture into the world of professional boxing.
Coach shares incredible story of Francis Ngannou defying the odds in UFC title fight with Ciryl Gane: “There’s a certain profoundness in having the courage to step off that cliff”
Harry Kettle - June 1, 2023
Coach Dewey Cooper has taken a look back at Francis Ngannou’s title triumph over Ciryl Gane back at UFC 270. It’s been a long time since we last saw Francis Ngannou compete inside the Octagon. When he did, he took on Ciryl Gane, successfully defending his UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 270. Ever since then, fans have been intrigued to see what his next move would be – and now, we know he’ll be debuting for PFL next year.
Terence Crawford advises Francis Ngannou to avoid top heavyweight boxers: "I don't see him having a chance"
Josh Evanoff - May 31, 2023
Terence Crawford believes Francis Ngannou might want to wait before facing a top boxer. ‘The Predator’ ended his lengthy free agency earlier this month. In January, Ngannou famously left the UFC as heavyweight champion, vacating his title in the process. With his exit, he became the first reigning titleholder to leave the promotion since BJ Penn did so nearly 20 years ago.
Randy Couture reacts after Dana White claims Francis Ngannou's PFL deal makes no sense: "I just turned it off"
Cole Shelton - May 31, 2023
PFL commentator and UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture didn’t care what Dana White had to say after Francis Ngannou signed with the PFL. Following UFC Vegas 73, White was asked about Ngannou’s deal when he claimed he didn’t know much about it, but then went on a rant explaining why it doesn’t make sense.
Francis Ngannou says UFC played "dirty games" to keep him under contract, reveals shocking pay before he became champ
Cole Shelton - May 25, 2023
Francis Ngannou believes the UFC used dirty tactics to keep him under contract for longer than he wanted. Ngannou and the UFC first had contract disputes long before he was a champion as he was vocal about wanting to fight out his deal so he could go to free agency. However, Ngannou claims the UFC never offered him fights – despite what Dana White said – and kept him on the shelf hoping he would need the money and eventually sign a new deal.
Francis Ngannou's manager believes fans will be shocked by former UFC champion's first boxing match
Josh Evanoff - May 24, 2023
Francis Ngannou’s manager, Marquel Martin, believes fans will be shocked by his boxing debut. ‘The Predator’ made headlines earlier this month by ending his high-profile free agency. In January, Ngannou walked out of the UFC, becoming the first reigning champion since BJ Penn in 2004 to do so. At the time, the heavyweight stated that issues with pay, restrictive contracts, an inability to box, and more, triggered his move.