Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou signs with PFL after contentious split

Francis Ngannou’s reign as one of the top heavyweights in MMA will continue in the Professional Fighters League following the former champion’s contentious split with the UFC.

Ngannou was still UFC heavyweight champion when contract talks collapsed once the African fighter said his demands for health insurance and personal sponsorships were rejected. UFC president Dana White stripped Ngannou of the belt in January.

The 36-year-old Ngannou 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.

Terms of the deal were not announced.

“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.”

PFL CEO Peter Murray told the Associated Press that Ngannou’s first scheduled fight will be in early 2024.

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 and a championship