It has been over two years since Francs Ngannou stepped inside an MMA cage and one year since he signed with the Professional Fighters League. Fight fans expected the former UFC heavyweight champion to fight in the SmartCage at some point by now, so they patiently waited.
They continued to wait, and their patience started to run thin. Finally, it appears Ngannou will finally put on a pair of gloves before 2024 comes to a close.
Ngannou went on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast and discussed his upcoming plans with Rogan. The UFC commentator asked about Ngannou’s future after he had a recent run in boxing.
“The Predator” exited the UFC in 2022 following contract disputes, leaving the promotion as the lineal UFC heavyweight champion. He joined the PFL but entered the boxing world as well. Ngannou lost against then-WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a spectacular showing in October, knocking down the Brit in the early rounds.
MORE: PFL format, explained
The Cameroonian returned to action in March but did not fare well against Anthony Joshua, getting knocked out by “AJ” in the second round. It was unknown what the future held for him after, whether in boxing or MMA.
While he expects to return to boxing, he told Rogan his next fight will be in MMA. Here is all there is to know about Ngannou’s potential PFL debut.
Francis Ngannou's next MMA fight date
The potential PFL debut for Francis Ngannou is Saturday, October 19. It would be in Saudi Arabia, where Ngannou has competed in boxing.
“I will be fighting by the end of the year. That’s what the PFL is working on (a fight in Saudi Arabia). October, sometime. They’re working on October. It’s not finalized yet, but they were talking about October 19.”
Joining him on the card would be French superstar Cedric Doumbe, per Ngannou. Given the PFL’s partnership with ESPN, it would likely air on ESPN+ in the U.S.
MORE: Breaking down the purse and salary history of PFL fighters
Francis Ngannou's PFL opponent
Ngannou revealed to Rogan his opponent would be Renan Ferreira, last year’s PFL heavyweight tournament winner. If you recall, Ferreira beat Ryan Bader at the PFL vs. Bellator event earlier this year to secure a shot at Ngannou.
“I think Renan Ferreira is the guy,” Ngannou said. “I’ve been telling people about this guy for almost two years. Very athletic. Fast hands, knees, very athletic. I think it’s going to be him.”
Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC) turned pro in 2013 and has eleven wins via knockout. The Brazilian has not lost a fight for the PFL since 2022, as two fights got overturned after his opponents tested positive for illegal substances. He beat Denis Goltsov via TKO to win the 2023 heavyweight tournament.
"Problema," standing at 6-8, secured the lone PFL win against a Bellator fighter in February when it took less than a minute to take out Bader.
Francis Ngannou UFC record
'The Predator' has a 17-3 record with 12 wins via knockout. He went 12-2 in the octagon.
Ngannou won six straight to start his UFC career, beating the likes of Curtis Blaydes, Andrei Arlovski, and Alistair Overeem. Fighting for the UFC heavyweight title straight away, Ngannou got schooled by Miocic at UFC 220 in 2018. He then lost against Derrick Lewis in his next fight in July.
MORE: Ranked: The 25 best MMA fighters under the age of 25
Ngannou then won four in a row, beating Blaydes again, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik via knockout. In a rematch at UFC 260, Ngannou knocked out Miocic to win the UFC heavyweight title. Suffering from knee injuries, Ngannou still successfully defended the title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. It was his first win via unanimous decision.
Francis Ngannou PFL contract
Signing with the PFL in 2023 included the following benefits:
- Fighting under the New Super Fight Division
- A high seven-figure purse for each fight
- A non-exclusive contract when it comes to competing inside a boxing ring
- A minimum salary (as high as $1 million) for his opponent
Ngannou has taken advantage of the third benefit, boxing Fury and Joshua.
Ngannou will also be given equity and was named chairman of PFL Africa. There will be a playoff setup similar to the U.S.
“I am excited and honored to serve as Chairman of PFL Africa, a league that will shape the very foundation of African MMA,” said Ngannou. “As we have seen there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. 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.”