Ex-UFC star Francis Ngannou signs exclusive deal with Professional Fighters League

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The Professional Fighters League (PFL) – a five-year-old mixed martial arts company fighting to become a household name – signed an exclusive deal with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to boost visibility for its newest division. 

Under the strategic partnership — which is being billed as the "most valuable" deal for a single fighter in the sport of MMA – Ngannou will fight exclusively in the league's Pay-Per-View Super Fight Division, which launched earlier this year in part to upend the "antiquated business model of MMA," according to the PFL. 

The division, co-created with social media influencer turned-boxer Jake Paul, ensures that fighters earn 50% of the revenue from PPV events. 

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PFL CEO Pete Murray told Fox News Digital that Ngannou will effectively boost the league's credibility as it edges its way to becoming a global leader in the sport, which had long been dominated by the UFC. 

Francis Ngannou celebrates after defeating Ciryl Gane by unanimous decision in their heavyweight title fight during the UFC 270 event at Honda Center on Jan. 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

"He's a major anchor," Murray said. "You will see other major fighters come to the PFL, and in particular to our Super Fights Pay-Per-View Division, given we have the best talent in the world."  

Although Ngannou underwent knee surgery earlier this year, Murray expressed confidence in the athlete. 

"We're confident in where Francis is as an athlete and what he plans to take on… as an elite fighter as well as a business