Don’t “feel bad” for PFL.
Despite the trouble UFC CEO Dana White had with former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, which led to a bitter war of words (and perhaps even a physical confrontation), it’s all champagne and roses for “The Predator” under the PFL banner, where Ngannou can expect “something special” in his 2026 return.
But first, new PFL CEO John Martin wants to see what happens in this heavyweight title fight
.“I’ve spoken to Francis a number of times,” Martin told MMA Fighting. “He knows
we’re working on something very special for him. I’d like to see what happens in the fight this week and see if [Vadim] Nemkov wins, if that makes sense. But Francis knows that we’re looking forward to him fighting in 2026, relatively soon hopefully, and we’re trying to put something together that’s very special for him.”
Hopefully it’s more special than his 2024 showdown against Renan Ferreira, which ended by way of first-round knockout. The 39 year-old Ngannou (18-3) has also been the face of PFL Africa over the last two years, despite butting heads with PFL co-owner Donn Davis back in August.
“He’s got one more fight under his [current PFL] contract and we’ll see what happens after that,” Martin added. “In the meantime, he’s been a great ambassador for us and PFL Africa. I know he’s explored some [options] on the boxing front, too. We’ve been in reasonably frequent communication with him and his manager and his lawyer. I look forward to seeing Francis in the cage again.”
Ngannou may not have many options if he doesn’t re-sign with PFL, since neither “The Predator” nor White seem interested in working together again — even with this blockbuster fight on the horizon. A return to boxing would certainly be a possibility, though Ngannou may no longer command the big bucks after this high-profile loss.
Safe to say none of that matters until PFL gets Ngannou back inside the “SmartCage.”
