The UFC’s loss could be the Professional Fighters League’s (PFL) gain as hard-hitting phenom Francis Ngannou weighs up his options in free agency.
The widespread assumption was that the outgoing UFC heavyweight champion would finally go through with his long-rumoured superfight against boxing great Tyson Fury, securing a monstrous paycheque before deciding on his next career move. According to PFL CEO Peter Murray, however, Ngannou could be returning to the cage sooner than expected.
“We’re excited about Francis and the conversations that are taking place,” PFL’s Peter Murray told Insider.
“His next chapter is going to be bright, as will the PFLs. We believe we’re the perfect fit [for Ngannou].”
RELATED: It’s Finally Happening… Jake Paul Officially Signs Multi-Year MMA Contract With PFL
Murray added: “Fighters have options now, given that PFL is where we’re at.”
But at this stage, whether Francis Ngannou will actually compete in the PFL alongside Jake Paul has yet to be confirmed.
The Predator was famously released from his UFC contract and stripped of the promotion’s heavyweight title after negotiations fell through.
“We offered Francis a deal that would’ve made him the highest paid heavyweight in the history of the company – more than [Brock] Lesnar, more than anybody – and he turned the deal down,” UFC President Dana White told reporters last month.
RELATED: Whether You Like It Or Not, Jon Jones Is The GOAT
White added, subtly alluding to the possibility that Ngannou was “avoiding” the returning Jon Jones: “We get to this point, and I’ve told you guys this before, if you don’t want to be here, you don’t have to be here.”
“I think Francis is in a place right now where he doesn’t want to take a lot of risks. He feels he’s in a good position where he can fight lesser opponents and make more money.”
“So we’re going to let him do that. We’re going to release him for his contract. We’re going to give up our right to match, and he can go and do whatever he wants. That’s where we’re at.”
RELATED: Who Will Tyson Fury Fight Next Now That The Usyk Bout Is In The Toilet?
- The ability to accept boxing matches on the side
- The ability to wear his own sponsors in the cage to earn extra $$$
- Health insurance for all fighters
- A fighter advocate at the negotiating table
“Personally, I don’t take any of this personal,” said Francis Ngannou.
“I think I have come to a point in my life where I’m cool. I get past everything. I have seen a lot.”
“One thing I have also learned is never say never. Maybe down the road, I have a boxing match, and maybe it goes well or not, but I know that even in that situation, it has to be in my own terms.”
RELATED: Former UFC Champ Francis Ngannou Inks Contract With PFL
