Francis Ngannou News
Francis Ngannou signs with PFL, will make his promotional debut in 2024
Susan Cox - May 16, 2023
‘The Predator’ has landed. Francis Ngannou (17-3 MMA) has signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and will make his promotional debut in 2024. The news of the signing first broke with ‘The New York Times‘.
Daniel Cormier reacts to Francis Ngannou’s “fumbling the bag” post on social media: “Maybe Francis isn’t hurting as much as we think”
Susan Cox - May 12, 2023
Daniel Cormier is reacting to Francis Ngannou’s ‘fumbling the bag’ post on social media. Ngannou recently took to ‘Instagram’ with a picture of himself, sitting on his Mercedes, on the phone, with the caption:
Michael Bisping believes Jon Jones’ recent comments could lead to Francis Ngannou returning to the UFC
Susan Cox - May 5, 2023
Michael Bisping believes Jon Jones’ recent comments could lead to Francis Ngannou returning to the UFC. Earlier this week, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones alluded to the fact that following his fight with Stipe Miocic, time, date and place yet to be confirmed, he will probably retire. That with the caveat that perhaps the only thing that might keep him’ in the game’, would be a battle in the Octagon with Francis Ngannou.
Daniel Cormier believes Francis Ngannou should just “bite the bullet” and return to UFC: “The money that he was offered, I’ve heard, was a very lucrative number”
Susan Cox - May 4, 2023
Daniel Cormier believes Francis Ngannou should just ‘bite the bullet’ and return to the UFC. Ngannou (17-3 MMA) has not fought in the Octagon since January of 2022 at UFC 270. The former UFC heavyweight champion last defeated Ciryl Gane (11-2 MMA) via unanimous decision. Following the victory and unable to come to terms on his UFC contract, the fighter was released from the promotion in January of this year and stripped of his title in the process.
ONE Championship's Chatri Sityodtong alleges Francis Ngannou turned down $20 million dollar payday: "The money wasn't enough"
Josh Evanoff - May 2, 2023
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong has discussed his meeting with Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ is reportedly in the process of ending his long-discussed free agency. Ngannou famously left the UFC in January due to a litany of complaints pertaining to a lack of health insurance, proper pay, and the ability to have a boxing match. He vacated the heavyweight title upon his departure but discussed his hope for a high-profile boxing match.
Jake Paul defends Francis Ngannou amidst reports of impending PFL signing: "Best heavyweight MMA fighter in the world"
Josh Evanoff - May 2, 2023
PFL’s Jake Paul has taken to social media to defend Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ is currently searching for his next home in MMA. In January, Ngannou left the UFC as the promotion’s reigning heavyweight champion, vacating the title in the process. Following his exit, the company quickly set Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant championship in March.
Ariel Helwani reveals Francis Ngannou could find his next MMA home as soon as this week
Josh Evanoff - May 1, 2023
According to Ariel Helwani, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou won’t be a free agent for long. ‘The Predator’ has been out of the octagon for over a year, last defeating Ciryl Gane by decision in January 2022. That victory will likely end up being the last of Ngannou’s UFC career, as he left the promotion earlier this year. In the process, he vacated his heavyweight title.
ONE Championship drops out of running to sign Francis Ngannou: "We decided not to submit our final offer"
Cole Shelton - May 1, 2023
Francis Ngannou will not be signing with ONE Championship. After Ngannou fought out his UFC contract and was released from the promotion, many expected him to sign with another promotion rather quickly. The former UFC heavyweight champion was adamant about taking a boxing fight first but he made it clear he would fight in MMA. Immediately, ONE Championship, PFL and Bellator expressed interest but after meeting with Ngannou, ONE has decided not to submit a final offer.
Curtis Blaydes explains why he believes Francis Ngannou has a better shot in boxing compared to Conor McGregor
Harry Kettle - April 21, 2023
Curtis Blaydes has explained why he thinks former opponent Francis Ngannou has a better shot in boxing than Conor McGregor did. This weekend, Curtis Blaydes will take on Sergei Pavlovich in a blockbuster heavyweight collision. It will serve as his latest attempt to force himself into the title conversation.
Floyd Mayweather open to helping Francis Ngannou with boxing transition: "I would love to work with him"
Lewis Simpson - April 20, 2023
Floyd Mayweather recently expressed willingness to help Francis Ngannou with his highly-anticipated boxing transition. Ngannou decided to part ways with the UFC as the then-heavyweight champion after failing to agree with the company. As per White, Ngannou rejected a deal that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight in the promotion’s history.
Demetrious Johnson hits back at critics who believe Francis Ngannou made a mistake leaving the UFC: "I've been successful"
Josh Evanoff - April 19, 2023
ONE Championship flyweight titleholder Demetrious Johnson knows you don’t need to be in the UFC to have success. ‘Mighty Mouse’ is currently slated to face Adriano Moraes next month at ONE Fight Night 10. The two flyweights will headline the promotion’s maiden voyage to America, as the event will go down in Colorado. In their first outing in 2021, the Brazilian won by knockout. However, Johnson repaid the favor last year to win the gold.
Eddie Hearn hints at possible Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou fight materializing: "I had lunch with Francis Ngannou"
Lewis Simpson - April 19, 2023
Eddie Hearn has hinted at a possible boxing bout between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou materializing. Ngannou underwent months upon end trying to negotiate a deal with the UFC to stay. However, after failing to agree on terms, the then UFC heavyweight champion made the decision to ultimately part days with the company and test free agency.
Michael Bisping believes Francis Ngannou has mismanaged his post-UFC future: "If you're not fighting you're not making money"
Josh Evanoff - April 6, 2023
UFC commentator Michael Bisping believes Francis Ngannou has mismanaged his UFC exit. ‘The Predator’ left the MMA company in January as heavyweight champion. At the time, Ngannou stated that issues with Dana White and the UFC’s restrictive contracts forced the exit. As a result, the promotion later booked Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant title.
PFL President Ray Sefo optimistic that his organization will land former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou: “It’s all positive”
Harry Kettle - April 6, 2023
PFL president Ray Sefo has said that things are looking positive regarding the promotion potentially signing Francis Ngannou. Earlier this year, Francis Ngannou decided to take the biggest risk of his career by leaving UFC. At the time, he was the company’s undisputed heavyweight champion – but that wasn’t enough.
Chael Sonnen says it’s time for Francis Ngannou to “wake up” and call Dana White: “Everyday he’s not signed, he’s losing”
Harry Kettle - April 5, 2023
MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has given Francis Ngannou some advice as he continues to play the field in free agency. Ever since leaving the UFC earlier this year, many have wondered what Francis Ngannou’s next move will be. The popular opinion, given he wants to be paid well, is that he’ll enter the world of professional boxing.
BKFC's David Feldman reveals Francis Ngannou talks going poorly due to "unrealistic money" request: "He needs to make up his mind"
Josh Evanoff - April 4, 2023
Don’t expect to see Francis Ngannou in BKFC anytime soon. ‘The Predator’ is still searching for his next home in combat sports. Ngannou famously left the UFC in January after fighting out his contract with the company. In the process, he vacated the heavyweight title which was later won by Jon Jones last month at UFC 285.
Dan Hardy says it will be “no time” before former UFC champion Francis Ngannou signs with PFL: “I know he’s coming”
Fernando Quiles - March 30, 2023
Dan Hardy thinks former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou is on his way to becoming a member of the PFL roster. Ngannou and UFC higherups could not come to terms on a new deal when “The Predator” was the UFC Heavyweight Champion. As a result, Ngannou is now a free agent. “The Predator” has expressed his desire to enter the world of boxing, which was his first love in terms of combat sports, but he recently revealed to Ariel Helwani on “The MMA Hour” that he’s close to signing with an MMA promotion. He namedropped PFL and ONE Championship.
Francis Ngannou reveals Kamaru Usman did not train for UFC 286 against Leon Edwards due to injuries
Cole Shelton - March 21, 2023
Francis Ngannou claims Kamaru Usman wasn’t able to train for his UFC 286 trilogy match against Leon Edwards due to injuries. Usman was looking to reclaim the belt back after Edwards scored a fifth-round head kick KO over him back in August. It was a massive comeback and with that, the two were running it back for the third time in a fight many thought Usman would win.