16 May 2023 , 09:23
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Francis Ngannou has signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) following his UFC departure at the beginning of the year.
Ngannou, 36, split with the UFC in January after failing to reach an agreement with the promotion over a new contract. The Cameroonian was expected to defend his heavyweight title against Jon Jones but he turned down a $8million deal to face the UFC legend, opting to vacate his belt and pursue other options.
After months of negotiations, Ngannou will now compete for the PFL with his debut set to take place next year in the promotion's pay-per-view super-fight division. "I believe in the PFL’s 'fighter first' culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa," Ngannou said in a press release. "I am also proud to announce that I will serve as Chairman of PFL Africa which will be the leading MMA organisation on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”
PFL boss Peter Murray said of the news: "Beyond working with Francis to advance the sport of MMA and scale PFL globally, I’m personally looking forward to supporting Francis in his commitment to fight for communities in Africa and around the world, inspired by his vision for the Francis Ngannou Foundation.”
'The Predator' held previously with ONE Championship and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, but the bosses of both promotions insisted they withdrew from the negotiations. David Feldman, who runs BKFC, said Ngannou was demanding too much money whilst Chatri Sityodtong, who runs ONE, claimed Ngannou wanted to be on the board of directors for the promotion and turned down a $20million offer.
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UFC president Dana White promised that he will never work with Ngannou again as the fighter was "impossible" to negotiate with. Ngannou, who hasn't fought since beating Ciryl Gane in January 2022, expressed an interest in making his boxing debut before competing in MMA but those plans are now seemingly off the table.
Ngannou was calling for fights against the likes of Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua - even facing off with 'The Gypsy King' after his knockout win against Dillian Whyte last April. His plans of facing a top heavyweight were recently scuppered by a four-man tournament lined up for the end of the year in Saudi Arabia.