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Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has become a sought-after figure in combat sports. In a surprising move last May, Ngannou signed with the PFL, a deal that not only includes his role as a fighter but also as an equity owner, allowing him the freedom to compete in boxing matches.
While he lost his pro boxing debut to Tyson Fury last October, Ngannou's performance exceeded expectations, setting him up for a second match against Anthony Joshua on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Despite his success in boxing, speculation arose in the MMA community that Ngannou may never return to the octagon. PFL Founder Donn Davis, however, remains confident in Ngannou's commitment to MMA. Davis expressed certainty that Ngannou will fight in the PFL several times and believes Ngannou will be a long-term business partner, potentially becoming the greatest athlete in combat sports.
Ngannou's last MMA fight was a successful title defense against Ciryl Gane in January 2022, before he parted ways with the UFC due to injuries requiring surgery. With limited options in the PFL, Davis sees the upcoming heavyweight champion vs. champion bout between Ryan Bader and Renan Ferreira as a potential draw for Ngannou. Davis believes the winner of this bout could challenge Ngannou for the title of No. 1 heavyweight in MMA, alongside UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Davis emphasized that while the UFC brand may overshadow other promotions, fighters like Bader and Ferreira are among the best heavyweights in the world, deserving of Ngannou's attention. As Ngannou continues to navigate his career between boxing, MMA, and the PFL, fans eagerly anticipate his next move and the impact he will continue to have on the world of combat sports.