Francis Ngannou coach 100 percent confident fighter is open to UFC return as career options discussed

Francis Ngannou hasn’t fought in the UFC for over three years, but his return is not off the table. Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, is “100 percent” confident that the former heavyweight champion is open to competing in the UFC again, which could mean big news for fight fans who have missed his presence in the octagon. After leaving the UFC and joining the PFL, Ngannou’s future in mixed martial arts seemed uncertain, but new comments from his team suggest another chapter could be ahead.

Ngannou, 38, has kept a low profile since defeating Renan Ferreira by knockout in the PFL in October 2024. Beyond his athletic career, he’s faced personal challenges, including a recent tragic motorcycle accident in Cameroon that left a lasting impact.

While there’s no set date for his next fight, talk of Ngannou’s possible return to the UFC has gained traction. Fans and experts now wonder if the former UFC heavyweight champion will step back into the spotlight after a long break and challenging experiences outside the cage. For updates on whether Francis Ngannou will return to the UFC, check out the details shared by his coach at MMA Fighting.

Francis Ngannou’s Career Trajectory

Francis Ngannou became a top name in MMA through his powerful fighting style and ability to defeat some of the best heavyweights in the sport. His career has included winning the UFC Heavyweight Title, leaving the UFC as a free agent, and new fights in both the PFL and boxing.

Rise to UFC Heavyweight Champion

Ngannou’s journey to the UFC was marked by intense dedication and a string of quick knockouts. After joining the promotion in 2015, he rose quickly through the heavyweight division, beating top contenders with his punching power and athletic ability. His knockout win over Alistair Overeem became one of the most talked-about moments in UFC history.

In 2021, Ngannou fought Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 and won the UFC heavyweight title. He finished Miocic in the second round, showing improved wrestling and composure. At the time, he became the third African-born champion in UFC history, joining Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya. His victory brought new excitement to the division and set up potential super fights against other stars like Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane.

He defended his title at UFC 270, defeating Ciryl Gane by decision in a clash that showed off his new grappling skills. Ngannou’s run as champion helped increase the star power of the UFC heavyweight division.

Departure and Free Agency

After his successful title defenses, Ngannou entered talks with UFC President Dana White to negotiate a new contract. The negotiations were lengthy, with issues around fighter pay, independent contractor status, and health insurance taking center stage. Ngannou eventually left the UFC as an unrestricted free agent in early 2023.

This move was rare for a reigning champion and made headlines in the MMA world. By entering free agency, Ngannou became one of the highest-profile fighters to test the open market. He then signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), aiming for new opportunities, better contract terms, and the chance to box against champions like Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Anthony Joshua. His departure shifted the landscape in the heavyweight division, opening the door for fighters like Tom Aspinall to rise.

PFL Debut and Recent Fights

Ngannou’s PFL debut was delayed due to his interest in boxing. In October 2024, he returned to MMA action and faced Renan Ferreira in a PFL super fight. Ngannou won by knockout, proving he still had elite power and technique.

Along with MMA, Ngannou focused on boxing matches against top heavyweights. He faced Tyson Fury and later Deontay Wilder, pushing both into competitive bouts and showing he could compete at a high level outside the octagon. Tragedy struck in 2025 when Ngannou was involved in a motorcycle accident in Cameroon that resulted in the death of a local teenager, briefly putting his fighting career on hold.

Despite setbacks, Ngannou remains a key figure in combat sports, with his team and coach Eric Nicksick expressing full confidence that he would consider a return to the UFC in the future. Some believe a UFC comeback or a super fight with Jon Jones is still possible.

Potential UFC Return

Francis Ngannou’s coach believes a UFC comeback is possible, and recent comments have fans buzzing about high-profile matchups. Negotiations and overcoming past issues, however, will play a big role in determining what happens next for Ngannou’s career.

Coach Eric Nicksick’s Perspective

Eric Nicksick, head coach at Xtreme Couture, has made clear statements about Ngannou’s mindset. He said he is “100 percent” confident that Ngannou is open to a UFC return. Nicksick highlighted that Ngannou’s competitive drive and unfinished business in the heavyweight division remain strong.

Nicksick’s confidence comes from ongoing discussions with Ngannou. He mentions that his fighter’s absence from the UFC was not due to a lack of interest but mostly due to contract disputes and a desire for better terms. Ngannou continues to train with a champion’s mentality, showing no signs of slowing down or retiring.

Recently, Nicksick spoke about possible scenarios for Ngannou’s future, stating that a return would depend on the right opportunity and respectful negotiations. He has openly discussed the potential for super fights and title reunification as strong motivators for Ngannou. This positive outlook from his coach keeps the possibility of a UFC return alive and in the headlines. Read more about Nicksick’s comments on Ngannou’s openness to the UFC.

Barriers and Negotiations for a Comeback

Francis Ngannou left the UFC in early 2023, mainly because negotiations with Dana White and the UFC failed to meet his contract demands. Key issues included financial terms, respect as a champion, and more flexible agreements for fighters. Ngannou’s move to the PFL gave him more control, but the desire for meaningful competition remains.

A major obstacle to any comeback is trust. Both sides would need to repair their working relationship before discussing fresh terms or a new deal. This could involve third-party mediators or detailed written agreements addressing Ngannou’s concerns.

Negotiations must focus on guarantees such as fight purses, pay-per-view shares, and championship opportunities. The UFC’s willingness to grant top contender status or super fight contracts will also be critical. Many fans are eager to see how Dana White, Ngannou, and the UFC handle these high-stakes talks.

High-Profile Matchup Possibilities

If Ngannou returns, the UFC heavyweight division offers several major matchups. Jon Jones, the current champion, has shown public interest in facing Ngannou. Their fight would generate enormous hype, combining Jones’s star power with Ngannou’s knockout history.

Other possible opponents include Stipe Miocic and Tom Aspinall. Miocic, a former champion, has unfinished business with Ngannou from their previous bouts. Aspinall, a fast-rising contender, could be a fresh challenge for Ngannou and attract new fans to the sport.

A Ngannou return could immediately lead to a super fight for the heavyweight title or a main event clash at a major pay-per-view. Big-name matchups would bring global attention, boost ticket sales, and give the heavyweight division its most exciting storylines since Ngannou’s last run in the UFC. For more details on Jones’s interest, check out this article on Jon Jones and Ngannou potential fight.

Recent Life Events and Legacy

Francis Ngannou’s recent years have included personal tragedy and career shifts. Both his challenges and achievements continue to shape his influence in mixed martial arts.

Personal Challenges and Motorcycle Accident

In early 2025, Francis Ngannou faced a serious personal setback in Cameroon. He was involved in a motorcycle accident in which a 17-year-old girl tragically lost her life. The incident had a major emotional impact on Ngannou and his family.

Ngannou had previously experienced another tragedy in April 2024 with the loss of his 15-month-old son Kobe. Despite these hardships, Ngannou has shown emotional resilience. He returned to training, with support from his coach Eric Nicksick, and focused on recovery and preparation for possible future competition.

Family, loss, and recovery have played an important role in his recent journey. These experiences have affected not only his career decisions but also his daily life.

Ngannou’s Ongoing Impact on MMA

Ngannou made headlines with his move from the UFC to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he signed a multi-fight deal and prepared for a debut in the pay-per-view Super Fight division. His presence in PFL has brought more attention to the promotion and created excitement for possible future fights, including a possible UFC return.

As a former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou has demonstrated extraordinary knockout power and skill. He remains a respected figure among fighters and fans. His efforts have inspired athletes from Cameroon and other countries who hope to compete in MMA at the highest levels.

Ngannou’s career choices, including leaving UFC for new opportunities, have impacted professional fighters and the sport’s business landscape. Several in the MMA community continue to follow his next moves, showing how influential he remains.