"The Professional Fighters League had made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou. 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."
"The announcement brings an end to a partnership that began in 2023, when the PFL made a splash by signing the former UFC heavyweight champion to a unique deal that would allow him to box professionally and serve as chairman of its PFL Africa division. Ngannou's signing with the PFL came after repeated failed negotiations with the UFC."
"Ngannou, 39, fought only once in the PFL. in October 2024, he headlined an event in Saudi Arabia against Renan Fereira, less than six months after the tragic, sudden death of his infant son, Kobe. Ngannou defeated Fereira in the first round via TKO and dedicated the fight to his late son."
The Professional Fighters League announced its split from Francis Ngannou on Friday, ending a partnership that began in 2023. Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, signed with the PFL under a unique agreement allowing him to pursue professional boxing while serving as chairman of PFL Africa. During his tenure, Ngannou competed only once, defeating Renan Fereira via first-round TKO in Saudi Arabia in October 2024, less than six months after his infant son's death. The separation follows significant executive changes within the PFL, including the departures of chairman Donn Davis and CEO Peter Murray, who orchestrated Ngannou's original signing.
Read at ESPN.com
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