Francis Ngannou parts ways with PFL after just one fight

Francis Ngannou has been released by PFL after just one fight for the promotion.

The former UFC heavyweight champion joined PFL in January 2023 and won his debut bout against Renan Ferreira in October 2024, where he was crowned the inaugural PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion.

That would prove his only outing for the company, however, with Ngannou and PFL now parting ways.

“The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou,” read a PFL statement.

“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.”

Ngannou had warned in December that his contract with PFL was approaching its end, saying the company “have to give me a fight”.

The Cameroonian, who defeated Stipe Miocic in 2021 to become UFC champion, leaves PFL with an 18-3 record in professional MMA, with 12 of his wins coming via knockout.

He ventured into boxing during his time under contract with PFL, being edged out on the scorecards by Tyson Fury in October 2023 before being slept by Anthony Joshua six months later.

He had flirted with further boxing bouts, suggesting a bout with fellow knockout artist Deontay Wilder, while a crossover match with Jake Paul had been rumoured before being shot down by Ngannou.