Francis Ngannou has one fight left on his current deal with the PFL and the promotion fully expects him to return to action in early 2026.
That’s according to PFL CEO John Martin, who confirmed he’s had talks with Ngannou and his camp about fighting again after his lone appearance for the organization came back in 2024 when he demolished Renan Ferreira inside the first round. Ngannou has teased his interest in returning to boxing as well but Martin promises the PFL has plans for “The Predator” long before his contract might expire.
“I’ve spoken to Francis a number of times,” Martin told MMA Fighting. “He knows we’re working on something very special for him. I’d like to see what happens in the fight this week and see if [Vadim] Nemkov wins, if that makes sense. But Francis knows that we’re forward to him fighting in 2026, relatively soon hopefully and we’re trying to put something together that’s very special for him.
“He’s got one more fight under his contract and we’ll see what happens after that. In the meantime, he’s been a great ambassador for us and PFL Africa. I know he’s explored some [options] on the boxing front, too. We’ve been in reasonably frequent communication with him and his manager and his lawyer. I look forward to seeing Francis in the cage again.”
Ngannou hinted recently that his current PFL contract expires before the UFC is scheduled to go to the White House in June as he’s called for a fight against Jon Jones.
Meanwhile, a new PFL heavyweight champion is set to be crowned on Saturday in Lyon, France when Vadim Nemkov clashes with Renan Ferreira.
A win by Nemkov could serve as the perfect opponent for Ngannou in his return to MMA.
Whether that happens or not remains to be seen but Martin vows that Ngannou is still very much part of the PFL’s plans for the future heading into 2026.
“Yeah [he will fight in PFL again],” Martin said. “I just saw him not that long ago and he looks like he’s in great shape. I’m not worried about him not being in physical condition. He’s a physical specimen all around. Yes, stay tuned.”
