The biggest name in MMA free agency has found a home. One-time UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has officially signed with PFL, inking a landmark deal that the promotion is calling a “strategic partnership.”
This partnership includes several major differences from the standard fighter-promotion agreement, with Ngannou cementing both a lucrative MMA contract and the option to box.
Former UFC Heavyweight Champ Francis Ngannou Joins PFL In Landmark Deal
In a statement regarding the deal, Ngannou revealed that PFL offered more than any other contender. “Let’s just say, all-in my deal with PFL is more than anyone else offered.
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 PFL because they basically showed what I was expecting.
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.”
Key to Ngannou’s deal is not only the option of boxing, which Ngannou was unable to follow under the terms of his UFC contract. “The Predator” is also involved in the business side of PFL activities, with CEO Peter Murray revealing that it’s far more than just an athlete deal.
“This is not an athlete deal. 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.”
Murray continued, revealing that Ngannou will spearhead the PFL’s African expansion. “The PFL is excited to announce its groundbreaking strategic partnership with Francis Ngannou, the greatest heavyweight fighter in the world.
Ngannou will anchor the PFL’s star-studded PPV Super Fight Division, serve on PFL’s Global Athlete Advisory Board and will be a Chairman and equity owner in PFL Africa.”
According to ESPN, PFL Africa is expected to launch sometime in 2025. Not only that, but Ngannou has negotiated a lucrative guarantee for himself as well as any fighter he faces. “This is the best business decision that I have ever done.
At the beginning of my free agency I didn’t know that I could have a deal structure where I could have all this in one deal. I have myself a good guarantee, which is more important. And most importantly, I was even able to have a guarantee of $2 million for my opponent, [so] whomever I’m going to fight next is going to make money too.”
