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PFL parts ways with former UFC star in shock move
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- PFL parts ways with former UFC star in shock move
Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images for PFL
Francis Ngannou has become a free agent again after the Professional Fighters League announced it had parted ways with the former UFC heavyweight champion.
The news came as a surprise given the attention surrounding Ngannou's arrival in the promotion in 2023, when he signed a landmark deal after leaving the UFC.
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However, the partnership ultimately proved short-lived, with Ngannou competing only once under the PFL banner.
PFL confirms decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
PFL announced the split in a statement posted on X this Friday, confirming the decision to move on from the Cameroonian heavyweight.
"The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou," the statement read.
"We have great respect for Francis as both an athlete and a person, and we wish him success in the next chapter of his combat sports career.
"The PFL remains focused on recruiting and signing the best athletes in the sport while continuing to deliver world-class competition for fans around the globe."
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The announcement immediately sparked discussion among MMA fans.
Many agree that it was a smart move from PFL, since he had over a year without fighting under their banner.
Others preferred to mock that his tenure there failed to meet the huge expectations that were initially generated.
Francis Ngannou fought only once in the PFL
Ngannou's time with the PFL ultimately featured just a single MMA bout.
The heavyweight made his debut for the organisation in October 2024, returning to mixed martial arts after spending time competing in high-profile boxing matches.
His arrival had been viewed as one of the biggest signings in the promotion's history, particularly after his dramatic departure from the UFC.
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However, with the partnership now coming to an end, Ngannou once again becomes one of the most high-profile free agents in combat sports.
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