Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has signed an exclusive, multi-fight contract with mixed-martial arts promotion with Professional Fighters League. PFL confirmed the news on Tuesday without sharing details of the agreement.
According to reports, Ngannou will have his first PFL fight at some point in 2024. His contract will see him have “two or three fights” for the promotion, with each fight coming with a “high seven-figure purse.” The 36-year-old player will also have a salary as PFL’s ambassador.
“The PFL is excited to announce its groundbreaking strategic partnership with Francis Ngannou, the greatest heavyweight fighter in the world,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray said in a statement. “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.”
Francis Ngannou was the biggest MMA free agent in recent memory. He previously rejected a new deal with UFC, one that would make him the highest-paid heavyweight in UFC history, according to the promotion’s president Dana White.
Ngannou won the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2021 at UFC 260 after knocking out Stipe Miocic. He later defended the title against Ciryl Gane via unanimous decision at UFC 270 before being stripped of the belt following unsuccessful contract negotiations. Ngannou has a 17-3 MMA record and is 11-2 in UFC.
