Francis Ngannou: PFL announce signing of Former Heavyweight Champion following controversial UFC exit

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou has finally moved on following his controversial exit from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) have confirmed that former Cameroonian-French UFC heavyweight champion has signed an 'exclusive global MMA strategic partnership' with the organisation. 

Ngannou was one of the biggest names in the UFC before a breakdown in contract talks forced him to quit from the MMA company in December last year.

Ngannou’s controversial exit generated widespread speculation on social media as to where his next destination would be.

The 36-year-old Cameroonian-French martial artist had been linked with a move to the WWE as well as the Professional Fighters League, while others tipped him to cross over to the boxing world as he had previously teased a fight against WBO champion Tyson Fury.

However, the Cameroonian has now opted to sign an 'exclusive partnership' deal that will see him receive equity and take on leadership roles in the PFL whilst also being allowed to pursue boxing fights elsewhere.

Speaking on the move to the PFL, Ngannou told the New York Times: 

Daily Mail reports that Ngannou plans to make his PFL debut in mid-2024, with the Cameroonian keen to have one boxing bout before entering the SmartCage.

Ngannou will take part in PFL's Super-fight division, which allows fighters to earn at least 50 per cent of the pay-per-view [PPV] revenue. 

Compared with the UFC's 20 per cent cut for fighters, 'The Predator' also revealed that his new PFL contract was way better than what the UFC ever offered him.

'Let's just say, all-in my deal with PFL is more than anyone else offered'. Ngannou said.

Pulse Sports previously reported that Ngannou has set his eyes on a boxing fight amid rumours of a potential bout with his successor in the UFC heavyweight division, Jon Jones.

Ngannou admitted a return to the UFC to face Jones is unlikely.

While Jones currently rules the UFC heavyweight division, Ngannou has reportedly targeted Deontay Wilder for his first boxing fight.