PFL chairman Donn Davis anticipates that Francis Ngannou will participate in both boxing and MMA matches in 2025, with Ngannou likely to box first due to lucrative opportunities before returning to the PFL SmartCage.
PFL chairman Donn Davis is confident that Francis Ngannou will be back in the SmartCage by 2025.
In 2023, Ngannou shook the MMA world. He left UFC as the heavyweight champ to join PFL on a lucrative deal. But instead of fighting in the cage, he ventured into boxing, facing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Finally, in October, he made his PFL debut, knocking out Renan Ferreira at Battle of the Giants.
The big question: Will Ngannou stick to MMA, or is boxing still on his radar? Davis thinks it’s not a one-or-the-other situation. He anticipates both happening this year.
“He’s still under contract with us,” Davis shared during a Town Hall with MMA Fighting. “We’re happy; he’s happy. We work closely with Francis. We ask, ‘What does he want? Why?’ We explore all options together, like real partners do.”
Davis speculates, “I think he’ll box once and fight in MMA once. What comes first? Who knows! Timing? Also a mystery.”
Ngannou had mixed results in boxing. His debut was against the undefeated Tyson Fury. Surprisingly competitive, Ngannou lost by split decision but managed to knock down “The Gypsy King.”
That bout led to a clash with former champ Anthony Joshua. Unfortunately, Ngannou was knocked out in the second round.
Despite the setbacks, Ngannou earned massive paydays from both fights. Davis believes there are still lucrative boxing opportunities ahead for him. Therefore, Ngannou’s next PFL fight might follow another boxing match.
Davis speculated, “If I had to guess, boxing will come first due to the opportunities available.” He added, “That’s his business to announce, but the opportunities are incredible.”
“So likely boxing first, then MMA,” Davis concluded. “Fans can expect one of each from Francis this year.”