‘We Have A Very Close Relationship’

PFL (Skilled Fighters League) CEO, Peter Murray, has offered an replace on their pursuit of former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, claiming the pair are presently having fun with a “very shut relationship”.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion below the banner of the UFC, has but to compete professionally in blended martial arts since headlining UFC 270 again in January of final 12 months.

Efficiently unifying the heavyweight titles on that event, Cameroon striker, Ngannou defeated former interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane in a unanimous resolution victory of their Anaheim, California conflict.

Seeing his contractual obligations with the UFC come to an finish in December of final 12 months, Batié native, Francis Ngannou was handed his launch from the promotion again in January, seeing his championship stripped in addition to his elimination from the official rankings. 

Linked with a slew of potential future ventures forward of his return to fight sports activities, Francis Ngannou has been welcomed to skilled boxing by each former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder – in addition to Matchroom Boxing chief, Eddie Hearn, however, the latter doubts the ex-UFC champion’s ability to compete at a high level.

By way of a blended martial arts return, Ngannou has been discussed as potential targets for both the above-mentioned, PFL, and the Singapore-based, ONE Championship.

As for the PFL, promotional chief, Murray, famous the optimistic relationship presently held between each events forward of a possible transfer.

“Hey, pay attention, Francis (Ngannou) make it very clear that he’s going to field,” Murray instructed MMA Junkie throughout a current interview. “We’re excited to see how these plans materialize. Now we have a really shut relationship and extra to come back on subsequent steps on Francis, associated to MMA.” 

Within the midst of a six-fight profitable run, Ngannou had minted himself because the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion with a devastating second spherical knockout win over Stipe Miocic within the pair’s title rematch in March 2021. 

Dana White shuts down UFC return for Francis Ngannou

Moreover, a possible future return to the UFC for Ngannou seems firmly off the playing cards for the previous champion, with UFC boss, Dana White describing him as “absolutely impossible to deal with.”