Francis Ngannou signs with PFL
The Francis Ngannou sweepstakes are coming to a close as the former UFC heavyweight champion has signed with the PFL. The New York Times was the first to report the news.
Ngannou’s free agency began earlier this year after the UFC released him when contract negotiations between the two fell apart. Ngannou quickly became one of the most notable free agents in MMA history. In that time, the PFL quickly became one of the most appealing options due to its willingness to think outside of the box and provide athletes with more opportunities.
Ngannou’s deal with the PFL is being categorized as a “strategic partnership” as Ngannou receives equity and leadership roles in the promotion. Additionally, Ngannou will be able to take boxing fights while under contract with the PFL.
“The past few months have been a very interesting time to understand and see the landscape but I’m very excited about this deal with the P.F.L. because they basically showed what I was expecting,” Ngannou said in an interview. “They didn’t just show up as a promotion that was looking for a fighter, but really came as a partner that sees more value in you as a person.”
Quote via New York Times
Ngannou will pursue a boxing match before making his PFL debut, which puts him on track to box once this year with his PFL debut following in 2024.
Ngannou’s PFL debut will take place in the Superfight Divison, which was recently launched to allow high-profile athletes to fight outside of the PFL’s tournament schedule while fighting in the pay-per-view model. This allows popular athletes to receive a larger percentage of pay-per-view buys.
The partnership between Ngannou and the PFL extends past the traditional athlete and promotion relationship. This deal will make Ngannou the chairman of PFL Africa. The PFL is currently working to expand to regional markets and Ngannou will work with the promotion as it expands into Africa. The PFL has already begun this expansion process with the creation of PFL Europe. Furthermore, Ngannou will be a part of the PFL advisory board and represent fighter interests.
“This is not an athlete deal,” PFL CEO Peter Murray told the Times. “Francis is an icon today in the sport, he is the best in the world at what he does, but he’s in business with the PFL. We’re in business together.”
Quote via New York Times
The Ngannou and PFL partnership is incredibly unique in the world of MMA. It is extremely uncommon that the sitting UFC Heavyweight Champion walks away from the promotion to explore other opportunities. The PFL is now in a position to capitalize off Ngannou as they have one of the best MMA fighters in the world under contract. Only time will tell if the PFL can capitalize on this opportunity and change the MMA landscape.
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