‘MOST EXPANSIVE AND VALUABLE ATHLETE SIGNING IN MMA HISTORY’ is the exact wording of how the PFL announced the signing of the former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou.
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘! Welcome to the Professional Fighters League @francis_ngannou pic.twitter.com/WPxuQtJtTn
— PFL (@PFLMMA) May 16, 2023
As per a New York Times article, Ngannou has signed an ‘exclusive global MMA strategic partnership’ with the promotion. Further on the partnership, the PFL said:
“Ngannou will fight exclusively in MMA for the PFL’s new PPV Super Fight Division, joining combat sports superstars Jake Paul and Kayla Harrison. The Super Fight Division was launched to revamp the antiquated business model of MMA and to forge true economic partnerships with the sport’s top stars to compete in global mega events, offering 50% of the revenue from the PPV fights. Ngannou will make his PFL PPV Super Fight debut in mid-2024 against a major global MMA star fighter to be chosen in the future.”
The Predator will also become the chairman and minority equity owner of the newly launched PFL Africa as well as joining the PFL’s Global Athlete Advisory Board. More details on these details will be released in the coming days. PFL CEO, Peter Murray is quoted saying:
“Beyond working with Francis to advance the sport of MMA and scale PFL globally, I’m personally looking forward to supporting Francis in his commitment to fight for communities in Africa and around the world, inspired by his vision for the Francis Ngannou Foundation.”
Importantly, Ngannou will also be able to box under the agreement with the PFL. He will not make his MMA debut for the promotion until 2024, however, will compete in boxing this year. MMASucka predicts that his boxing debut may be under, or at least in partnership with fellow PFL fighter Jake Paul‘s MVP promotion.
The Deal in Ngannou’s Words
Speaking on the partnership, Ngannou said:
“I am very excited for this game changing partnership with the Professional Fighters League to continue my MMA fighting career in the PFL’s PPV Super Fight Division. I believe in the PFL’s “fighter first” culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa. With that, I am also proud to announce that I will serve as Chairman of PFL Africa which will be the leading MMA organization on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”
Keep it locked to MMASucka for news on Francis Ngannou’s deal with the PFL as it drops.
