Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou joins PFL in 'transformational deal'

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has committed his future to the Professional Fighters League in a deal the PFL described as the biggest signing the company has ever made.

Ngannou recently endured a contentious split from the UFC after contract talks collapsed to extend the Cameroonian's stay with MMA's leading promotion. Ngannou said his demands for health insurance and personal sponsorships were rejected and he was subsequently stripped of the title by UFC president Dana White in January.

The 36-year-old will fight exclusively for PFL in its pay-per-view super fight division. Ngannou, who defeated Stipe Miocic in 2021 to win the UFC crown, also will serve as chairman and equity owner in PFL Africa.

“I believe in the PFL’s ‘fighter first’ culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa,” Ngannou said Tuesday in a statement. “With that, I am also proud to announce that I will serve as Chairman of PFL Africa which will be the leading MMA organization on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”

Ngannou's first scheduled fight will be in early 2024, said PFL CEO Peter Murray.

Murray said talks with Ngannou began when “he was no longer encumbered” and the fighter was expected to play a pivotal role in the company’s planned global expansion. Ngannou also wants to box and the PFL will not stand in his way.

“We’re supportive of Francis taking on boxing,” Murray said.

Ngannou (17-3) also will serve in a leadership role on the PFL global advisory board, making him the first active fighter to serve on the board and represent fighters’ interests.

While the PFL has a unique MMA competition format that includes a regular season, a postseason