Ngannou’s New Role as PFL Africa Chairman Set to Revolutionize African MMA

The Professional Fighters League will launch an African series in 2025 with Francis Ngannou announced as chairman of the new league.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – Cameroon's Francis Ngannou hopes the new Professional Fighters League in Africa "will shape the foundation of African MMA". The former UFC Heavyweight champion was speaking after being named as the chairman of the African series of the Professional Fighters League.

"As we have seen there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage," said Francis Ngannou. "I am so very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fanbase."

The USA-based mixed martial arts promotion already has American and European circuits, according to BBC Sports Africa. The PFL is yet to have an African-born champion but does have several fighters with roots in the region, including 2023 light-heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay of the United States, born in Florida to Congolese parents, and 2022 welterweight champion Sadibou Sy of Sweden, who has Senegalese heritage.

Francis Ngannou is one of several African-born fighters to win a UFC world title including Nigerians Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya. South Africa's Dricus Du Plessis is the latest African to win a belt in the UFC and will defend his middleweight title against Adesanya on August 17.

Last year, Francis Ngannou left the Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC for the Professional Fighters League, PFL but has not fought once for his new home. He has been involved in two boxing bouts in Saudi Arabia.

On Friday, March 8, the Predator was knocked out by Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This follows his controversial first boxing defeat to another Brit, Tyson Fury. While his paydays have been lucrative, his record has a zero in the win column.

“I have to think about the next steps that need to be taken. However, I will probably return to MMA next, but don't worry, I'm not done here,” Francis Ngannou said after the loss to Anthony Joshua.

A return to MMA is on the table for Ngannou and one that the PFL expects to occur later in 2024. Renan Ferreria, who won the 2023 heavyweight season and defeated Ryan Bader at PFL vs. Bellator: Champions for the right to face Ngannou, has said he will be waiting.

Ngannou’s last MMA fight was his final UFC appearance in January 2022. He defeated Ciryl Gane to retain the heavyweight title at UFC 270, which was later vacated after deciding to not re-sign with the promotion due to the restrictive nature of the contract.