According to Peter Murray, bringing Francis Ngannou into the PFL just made sense for all involved. And it is hard to see different. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, is scheduled to meet Tyson Fury later this year inside a boxing ring.
PFL CEO: Francis Ngannou Signing Just Made Sense
Peter Murray, CEO of the PFL, recently appeared as a guest on the DAZN MMA Show where he talked about the signing of Francis Ngannou.
A former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou was regarded as one of the top free agents the sport has ever seen before agreeing to a new multi-fight, multi-year, multi-purpose contract with the PFL.
The promotion, which plans to break into the pay-per-view business with a super-fight series featuring Ngannou, Jake Paul, Kayla Harrison and others, made quite the impact by bringing him in.
“We’re launching the pay-per-view division with the best, and the biggest names, so check there,” Murray said. It was a massive signing for the PFL. Francis, the No. 1 champion in the world, also an athlete with a point of view on how he wants to shape his career and similar to Jake Paul, it aligned with our priorities.”
First, Francis Ngannou Faces Tyson Fury
Before he can test himself in the PFL, Ngannou will do so on the biggest stage of his career when he battles the reigning heavyweight boxing champion, Fury.
The event is set for October 28, and while Fury’s WBC belt will not be on the line, a win by Ngannou over the reigning titleholder would shock the world.
“He’s ready to get back into the cage, I assure you, and we’re working on the opponent,” Murray said. “Francis to the PFL, at this stage of our company, he’s an anchor to launch our PPV, an anchor to launch PFL Africa as chairman, which will launch in 2025.
“I can think of no better leader than Francis on the continent.”
That is where you will really see the true impact of the signing.
Ngannou mentioned a very high purse for his opponents, which is sure to attract attention of current and soon-to-be free agents to listen to what the PFL has to offer.
The prospects of competing not only for a big one-night prize, but also work into the season-long tournament that ends with a $1 million check to the winner is sure to attract all in the sport.
Plus, along with airing PPV events that route, they also have a current deal where cards air live on ESPN and stream around the globe via ESPN+.
