As news just broke that former UFC Heavyweight king Francis Ngannou has signed with the PFL. The MMA world has been firmly shook up. As the details are now beginning to become clear PFL executives have spoken shedding some light. Per a PFL press release the higher ups have had the following things to say.
Futher Details
The following details are via the PFL press release:
Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced an exclusive global MMA strategic partnership with Francis Ngannou.
PFL is the #1 fastest growing global sports league and the #2 MMA company worldwide on all metrics.
This strategic partnership represents the most valuable MMA deal for a single fighter.
Under the partnership, Ngannou will fight exclusively in MMA for the PFL’s new PPV Super Fight Division. Joining combat sports superstars Jake Paul and Kayla Harrison.
Ngannou will make his PFL PPV Super Fight debut in mid-2024 against a major global MMA star fighter.
As part of the strategic partnership with the PFL. Ngannou will serve in a leadership role on the PFL Global Advisory Board. Making him the first active fighter to serve on the board and represent fighters’ interests.
Building upon the successful launch of PFL Europe earlier this year. The PFL will continue its international regional MMA league expansion in priority markets around the world, including Africa.
The PFL has announced Ngannou will be an equity owner in and Chairman of PFL Africa. The premier MMA league on the continent.
Francis Ngannou, The Newest PFL Signing
“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 organisation on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”
Peter Murray, PFL CEO
“The PFL is excited to announce its groundbreaking strategic partnership with Francis Ngannou, the greatest heavyweight MMA fighter in the world. Ngannou will anchor the PFL’s star-studded PPV Super Fight Division, serve on PFL’s Global Athlete Advisory Board, and will be Chairman and an equity owner in PFL Africa.”
“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.”
Donn Davis, PFL Founder and Chairman
“PFL has an expansive plan to become the first true global league in sports, with international regional leagues spanning all continents.”
“PFL Europe’s launch in 2023 has been a huge success, and we will have six more PFL international leagues operating by 2026 to form the first ever “Champions League of MMA” to spark national pride and determine the actual best in the world via the PFL sport-season format of “win and advance” meritocracy.”
Marquel Martin, President and Co-Founder of Athlete and Brand Management Company 3POINT0 Labs Inc
“You have to give a ton of credit to Francis. Most fighters couldn’t go through what he went through this past year. He understands his value and has been extremely patient to get to this point. Now, not only is he the best heavyweight in the world, but he has a deal that is unmatched and will set him up for life. I want to personally thank Donn Davis and Pete Murray for being so collaborative throughout the process and committed to pushing PFL to new heights.”
Andrew Cutrow, Chief Business Officer and Co-Founder of 3POINT0 Labs
“We’re proud to work with Francis and the PFL to realise the wide-ranging business and strategic initiatives Francis has set out to achieve for his career and the continent. We’re ever impressed by his fortitude and perseverance to achieve in his life, his sport and his businesses”
Featured image credits to PFL
