Francis Ngannou has been absent from MMA since his last UFC heavyweight title defense in January 2022. It feels like ages ago when he won against Ciryl Gane. His departure from the UFC has left the heavyweight division in disarray, and it may take some time for it to recover.
Despite Ngannou’s absence, the UFC has moved forward with Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones. Ngannou has ventured into pro boxing, but has yet to secure wins against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. However, his name value remains high, especially after signing with the PFL.
Longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes that Ngannou might be the saving grace for the PFL. He mentioned on the Joe Rogan Experience that if the UFC were to disappear, the PFL could step in and benefit from having a big name like Ngannou on their roster.
While some may debate the PFL’s position in MMA, it has undoubtedly grown in prominence, especially after acquiring Bellator. The addition of Ngannou to their roster has generated excitement for potential matchups, including a bout with 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira.
Rogan expressed interest in the potential Ngannou vs. Ferreira fight in MMA, but he also expects Ngannou to continue pursuing boxing opportunities. He highlighted Ferreira’s dangerous striking abilities and size as factors that could make the fight compelling.
Ultimately, the future for Ngannou in MMA remains uncertain, but his presence in the PFL has certainly brought attention to the promotion. Only time will tell if Ngannou will return to the cage or continue his boxing career.
In other news, the MMA community is buzzing with various fight announcements and social media exchanges between fighters. It’s an exciting time in the world of combat sports, with plenty of matchups to look forward to in the coming months.
As we wait to see what unfolds for Ngannou and the PFL, it’s clear that the promotion is making strides in the MMA world, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for one of the sport’s most dominant heavyweights.