Francis Ngannou News
UFC legend scoffs at report claiming Jake Paul vs. Francis Ngannou is being explored
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 3, 2025
A UFC Hall of Famer isn’t buying into the possibility of Jake Paul vs. Francis Ngannou. Paul’s team is reportedly exploring options to replace Gervonta “Tank” Davis for his next opponent. Davis is facing a civil suit alleging domestic battery and kidnapping. Mike Coppinger of Ring Magazine reported that Ngannou is one of the names that has been discussed for a potential showdown with Paul.
"Jon Jones was scared of [Francis] Ngannou", "took the Stipe Miocic exit", per PFL fighter
Dylan Bowker - October 16, 2025
Francis Ngannou received a lot of praise from one of the surging PFL Africa fighters, who he helms over in a chairman role for that PFL branch. Karim Henniene is the fighter in question who touched on this subject ahead of his fight with Boule Godogo at PFL Africa 3 on October 18th. Henniene appeared on MMA Canada to address some of the discussion around Francis Ngannou not being cageside for the last card Henniene competed on. This, despite Ngannou’s role as PFL Africa chairman which created some public friction between Ngannou and the promotion.
Joe Rogan wishes UFC could've worked things out with current PFL champion
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 18, 2025
Joe Rogan has lamented on the failed relationship between UFC and a popular PFL star. UFC CEO Dana White has had his share of grudges with fighters over the years. His most notable public spat with a fighter in recent memory was with Francis Ngannou. “The Predator” left the promotion as the UFC Heavyweight Champion. Ngannou and the UFC failed to come to terms on a new deal.
Francis Ngannou explains his absence from PFL Africa event
Harry Kettle - August 19, 2025
PFL champion Francis Ngannou has explained why he was absent from the recent PFL Africa event. As we know, PFL Africa was something that Francis Ngannou was pretty excited to be a part of. He’s been eager to help grow mixed martial arts in that part of the world and so, when he didn’t appear at the first few events under that banner, some eyebrows were raised.
Francis Ngannou damaged his legacy after leaving UFC, says former MMA slugger
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 17, 2025
Was Francis Ngannou’s legacy tarnished by his boxing venture? Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC while he was the promotion’s heavyweight champion sparked a debate online. “The Predator” sought out the freedom to box, and it almost led to a victory over future Hall of Famer Tyson Fury. “The Predator” ended up getting knocked out by Anthony Joshua, but he made a substantial amount of money for his boxing matches with “The Gypsy King” and Joshua.
Francis Ngannou praises Kamaru Usman following his UFC Atlanta victory
Harry Kettle - June 16, 2025
Francis Ngannou has praised Kamaru Usman following the latter’s victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. In the main event of UFC Atlanta, Kamaru Usman reminded us all why he’s one of the best welterweights of all time. The former champion dominated Joaquin Buckley through most of their encounter, landing nasty ground and pound after a series of successful takedowns. While Buckley had a strong fifth round, it wasn’t enough to overcome ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ – who seemed to look like himself again.
Eric Nicksick reveals Francis Ngannou's reaction to his UFC return comments
Harry Kettle - June 16, 2025
Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick has revealed Francis Ngannou’s reaction to his remarks suggesting he’s open to a UFC return. While he may have focused on boxing and PFL in recent years, Francis Ngannou is still recognized as a UFC legend. He’s a former heavyweight champion in the promotion and scored some of the most important knockouts in the company’s history.
Francis Ngannou make surprise appearance at UFC Atlanta ceremonial weigh-ins
BJ Penn Staff - June 13, 2025
We may never see Francis Ngannou in the Octagon again, but the heavyweight star returned to the UFC stage in the lead-up to promotion’s Saturday night card in Atlanta, Georgia. Ngannou is the former UFC heavyweight champion. He never actually lost his belt, but instead vacated the title when he parted ways with the promotion in 2023. That means he’s still the lineal MMA heavyweight champion.
Jon Jones reacts to Francis Ngannou's possible future UFC return
Harry Kettle - June 7, 2025
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has given his thoughts on Francis Ngannou potentially being interested in a UFC return. As we know, Francis Ngannou is one of the most exciting heavyweight fighters of all time. His incredible power is matched only by his larger than life persona, which has seen him win championships in both UFC and PFL. Of course, when he left the Ultimate Fighting Championship, it certainly seemed as if there was some bad blood between the two parties.
Francis Ngannou coach opens door to UFC return: 'Enough time has passed'
BJ Penn Staff - June 6, 2025
Francis Ngannou could potentially end up fighting for the UFC again, according to his long-time coach. Ngannou is the former UFC heavyweight champion. He never actually lost the belt, instead vacating the title when he parted ways with the promotion in 2023. In other words, he’s still the lineal MMA heavyweight champion.
Former UFC champ Francis Ngannou speaks out after involvement in fatal vehicle crash in Cameroon
BJ Penn Staff - May 2, 2025
Francis Ngannou has broken his silence after he was involved in a fatal vehicle accident in his home country of Cameroon. Ngannou is the former UFC heavyweight champion. Given that he vacated that title to leave the promotion, he remains the lineal heavyweight king in MMA. Unfortunately, he is dealing with yet another unspeakable tragedy in his life outside the cage. Just years after the passing of his infant son, Ngannou was involved in a fatal motorcycle crash in Cameroon. The incident left a 17-year-old girl dead.
Joe Rogan only sees one fighter who can rival Alex Pereira's punching power
BJ Penn Staff - April 18, 2025
UFC commentator Joe Rogan is very, very high on Alex Pereira. In recent years, Rogan has frequently praised Pereira on his podcast, as well as during the Brazilian’s fights. He hasn’t been the only one. Pereira has had one of the most legendary careers in combat sports history. He’s the subject of frequent praise from all kinds of fight fans as a result.
Rico Verhoeven reveals talks are ongoing for fight against Francis Ngannou: "Let's say we're halfway there"
Josh Evanoff - March 19, 2025
GLORY Kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven has revealed talks are ongoing for a fight against PFL champion Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a clash against Renan Ferreira in the PFL cage last October. Fighting for the first time since his destructive knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in March, Francis Ngannou handed ‘Problema’ a first-round stoppage loss. The bout was his first time stepping into the cage since his win over Ciryl Gane in January 2022, his final UFC appearance.
Donn Davis dismisses rumors of Francis Ngannou leaving the PFL: "Fake News!"
Josh Evanoff - March 17, 2025
According to PFL founder Donn Davis, Francis Ngannou isn’t going anywhere. ‘The Predator’ hasn’t been seen in action since a pivotal clash against Renan Ferreira in October. Back in the cage for the first time since defeating Ciryl Gane in January 2022, Francis Ngannou handed the former PFL tournament winner a first-round knockout loss. After so much turmoil and tragedy since leaving the UFC, the victory was an emotional one for the heavyweight star. However, Ngannou is already working on a return.
Deontay Wilder's coach is confident ahead of potential Francis Ngannou boxing match: "He goes to sleep"
Josh Evanoff - March 3, 2025
Boxing coach Malik Scott has weighed in on Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder. ‘The Predator’ recently came out and discussed a return to the boxing ring. Last appearing in the cage last October in his knockout win over Renan Ferreira, Francis Ngannou has publicly called for a clash with Deontay Wilder. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is coming off lopsided losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, but is still considered one of the hardest punchers alive.
Francis Ngannou reveals he wasn’t too confident ahead of boxing match with Tyson Fury: “I’d never been there in my life”
Harry Kettle - February 28, 2025
MMA legend Francis Ngannou has revealed that he didn’t feel that confident heading into his boxing match with Tyson Fury. Francis Ngannou is a true enigma. He has achieved some absolutely remarkable things in the world of combat sports, both mixed martial arts and boxing. With that being said, he’s 0-2 in his pro boxing career – and yet, nobody really seems to look too much into that.
Daniel Cormier is concerned about Francis Ngannou's potential boxing return
Harry Kettle - February 17, 2025
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has voiced his concern over Francis Ngannou’s potential return to professional boxing. As we know, Francis Ngannou is still one of the scariest men in all of combat sports. He has done some incredible things in mixed martial arts, and his return to the cage with PFL went about as well as it could’ve. However, in the last few days, the man himself has confirmed that he’d like to step back into the boxing ring.
UFC legend shares major concern for Francis Ngannou's potential return to boxing
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 16, 2025
One UFC Hall of Famer has his concerns if Francis Ngannou returns to the boxing ring. Ngannou tried his hand in the sweet science when he decided to leave the UFC in favor of the option to take lucrative boxing matches, as well as a deal with PFL. While Ngannou nearly pulled off a shocking win over Tyson Fury, he was demolished by Anthony Joshua.