Combat sports superstar Francis Ngannou has revealed his Professional Fighters League contract is approaching its conclusion, setting the stage for potential blockbuster matchups in 2026. The Cameroonian powerhouse made these revelations during a recent appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, generating significant buzz throughout the mixed martial arts community.
The former UFC heavyweight champion, now 39, acknowledged his contractual obligations with PFL are winding down, stating unequivocally that ‘everything can happen’ once he achieves free agency. Despite signing with the organization in 2023, Ngannou has competed just once under the PFL banner, delivering a spectacular knockout victory against Renan Ferreira last year.
Ngannou specifically addressed the possibility of two dream matchups that have captivated fight fans worldwide: a long-anticipated clash with UFC legend Jon Jones and a crossover bout against former boxing world champion Deontay Wilder. While expressing openness to these opportunities, the fighter maintained a pragmatic perspective regarding the complexities of making such high-profile fights materialize.
PFL CEO John Martin confirmed the contractual situation, noting Ngannou has one remaining fight obligation before both parties will engage in discussions about his future. Though Ngannou didn’t specify an exact contract expiration date, he indicated free agency could align with the UFC’s scheduled White House event on July 4th in Washington DC.
The fighter’s departure from UFC in January 2023 stemmed from well-documented disagreements with promotion president Dana White, primarily concerning contractual freedom rather than financial compensation. This history adds intrigue to any potential UFC return, particularly given White’s recent characterization of Ngannou as a ‘bad guy’ following alleged physical confrontations after previous fights.
Ngannou responded to these allegations with characteristic composure, expressing diminished energy for drama and emphasizing his desire for peace and professional respect. His career trajectory remains particularly fascinating given his recent foray into boxing, where he faced defeats against heavyweight boxing stars Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua despite earning widespread respect for his performances.
When questioned about re-signing with PFL, Ngannou maintained that securing fights remains his immediate priority, stating: ‘First I need a fight, because I don’t want to stay out this long. But if there is a fight, why not?’ This pragmatic approach underscores the fighter’s primary motivation: staying active against elite competition regardless of promotional banner.