Francis Ngannou has officially left the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and is now a free agent in the mixed martial arts arena. The former UFC champion joined the PFL in 2023 but has only participated in one fight with the organization, during which he also played a role in expanding the promotion’s presence in Africa.
At 39 years old, Ngannou has not competed in MMA since October 2024. The PFL announced the split, wishing him well in this new chapter of his combat sports career.
Ngannou’s departure from the UFC in 2023 marked a significant turning point in the sport, as one of MMA’s biggest stars chose to leave the world’s premier promotion. Throughout his career, Ngannou has been a strong advocate for fighter rights, emphasizing the need for athletes to have more control over their careers and better remuneration. He has previously stated that two boxing matches generated more income for him than his entire 14-fight UFC career combined. Notably, these boxing bouts were not affiliated with the PFL but were organized through other promotions.
Looking ahead, a return to the UFC could be on the horizon. The heavyweight division has been experiencing inconsistency since Ngannou’s exit, with current champion Tom Aspinall not having fought since October and recently undergoing double eye surgery in February. Additionally, there’s speculation that Ngannou could be involved in Netflix’s inaugural MMA event on May 16, which features Ronda Rousey making her competitive return against Gina Carano.
As Ngannou embarks on this new journey, fans and fighters alike will watch closely to see where his career path leads next.