The signing of Francis Ngannou by the PFL in May 2023 has been a significant development in the MMA world. However, the former UFC heavyweight champion’s debut in the SmartCage has been delayed due to various factors, including his successful boxing match against Tyson Fury and the tragic loss of his son earlier this year.
One crucial aspect of Ngannou’s decision to join the PFL was the announcement of the launch of PFL Africa in the second quarter of 2025, with the Cameroonian fighter serving as the Chairman. According to Randy Couture, a PFL commentator, this role has been crucial in keeping Ngannou with the promotion.
Couture believes that Ngannou may have felt at odds with the PFL after the PFL vs Bellator Champions event earlier this year. When Renan Ferreira defeated Ryan Bader in the main event, the PFL looked to set up the Brazilian as Ngannou’s debut opponent in the SmartCage. However, Ngannou did not seem entirely enthusiastic about the idea.
“I think there’s been a little blip after the boxing and Fury and then losing in the next one and they were pushing him to say, ‘Yes, I want to take on Renan Ferreira,’ the winner of this champions vs champions and Francis was there at cage side and I think that rubbed Francis the wrong way a little bit,” Couture told inside fighting.
Despite this apparent tension, Couture believes that Ngannou’s role as the Chairman of PFL Africa has been crucial in keeping him with the promotion. Couture states that this opportunity “means a lot to him” and that Ngannou “wants to do something special for his countrymen.”
The launch of PFL Africa in 2025 could be a significant factor in Ngannou’s future with the promotion. As the Chairman, he will have the opportunity to shape the development of MMA in Africa and potentially provide a platform for talented fighters from the continent to showcase their skills on the global stage.
