With the signing of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, the PFL has definitely positioned itself as the No. 2 MMA promotion in the world.
PFL Has Put Together Strong Roster, Key Deals
The PFL is built a little differently than other promotions that have come and gone over the years.
In the world of mixed martial arts, the UFC has held down the title of the premier promotion in the world for quite sometime. Bellator MMA has tried to position itself alongside Dana White and company.
Others have come and gone including the likes of Strikeforce and EliteXC. When PFL came about out of the World Series of Fighting, some might not have given them much of an opportunity.
Well, they have definitely earned that opportunity.
Signing Of Francis Ngannou Makes A Splash
When you hear the name Francis Ngannou, you immediately think of the damage he did inside the UFC’s Octagon. Ngannou rose through the ranks, besting former world champions on his way to becoming the No. 1 heavyweight in the world.
Ngannou, though, wanted more. Some might have questioned it, while others said he was doing the right thing.
Regardless, the package that Ngannou got for himself, his family and his team is quite the haul.
He will headline the new PFL Super Fight Division with the likes of Jake Paul and Kayla Harrison. He will compete on pay-per-view while earning part of that revenue, as will his opponent.
But there is more.
Ngannou Will Become Face Of PFL, MMA
The PFL called it a strategic partnership in the release offered up on the signing of Ngannou.
He 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 the best interests of fighters.
That is what Ngannou was preaching after he made the decision to leave the UFC. He wanted more. More for himself, and more for his fellow fighters moving forward.
He will be part of the fighters-first mission that the PFL has really used to sign some of the key free agents over the years to the active roster.
Ngannou will also be giving back, becoming an equity owner and the chairman of PFL Africa. PFL Europe has already taken off, holding events and bringing in new fighters.
“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 organization on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”
Francis Ngannou
