UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture believes that despite his success in boxing, Francis Ngannou will return to MMA to fulfill his obligation to the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Francis Ngannou sure turned heads in the boxing world. Remember when he knocked Tyson Fury off his feet? Nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in sports history. Now, he’s gearing up to face Anthony Joshua. But here’s the million-dollar question: does a win mean he’s saying goodbye to MMA for good?
Not according to UFC Hall of Famer and current PFL commentator, Randy Couture.
Ngannou’s been raking in the big bucks in boxing. There’s even talk of a rematch with Fury if he gets past Joshua on March 8. But Couture? He’s convinced Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champ, will return to MMA. He’s got a commitment to the PFL, after all.
“I don’t think he’s going to walk away from this sport,” Couture told MMA Fighting. “His roots are here.” Ngannou’s name, his fame, it all started with MMA. And the boxing matches? They’re just a bonus, thanks to his MMA success. Couture’s pretty sure he won’t abandon his roots.
Ngannou’s been MIA from MMA since he defeated Ciryl Gane. That was his UFC swan song, back in January 2022. Given his boxing schedule, his PFL debut might not happen until late 2024 or even early 2025. That’s a solid three years away from MMA.
Oh, and let’s not forget, he’s turning 38 in September.
But Couture? He believes Ngannou will find a way back to MMA. There’s no timeline, but he’s confident it’ll happen. “I think he’s going to have to juggle a little bit,” Couture said. “I think the PFL is certainly willing to work with him in that regard, but I don’t see him walking away from MMA.”
Ngannou’s split with the UFC was largely about control. He wanted to steer his career, especially with the opportunities he’s found in boxing. PFL had no issues giving him that control. Co-founder Donn Davis has been vocal about supporting Ngannou as he seeks out big fights, like the ones against Fury and Joshua.
Even if it means waiting for Ngannou to compete in PFL, Couture knows the promotion has his back.
“I like from day one, Pete [Murray] and Donn’s approach, we’re different,” Couture explained. “We don’t have to compete with the UFC. We’re that different. Obviously now we’re launching the pay-per-view model that at least puts us in the same category with what the UFC is doing, but they’ve never poked the bear. It’s never been about us or them. There’s plenty of room in the marketplace for both of us and that’s been their approach all along, and I love that. I don’t think that’s going to change.”
“It’s about the fighters for a change instead of the three letters that represent that promotion.”
As for potential opponents? Ngannou didn’t have a clear contender until PFL champ Renan Ferreira crushed Bellator champ Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds. Couture thinks that’s the fight to make.
“That makes perfect sense to me,” Couture said. “I know [Ngannou is] enamored with being able to box, it’s been a dream of his for a long, long time, but I don’t think he’s walking away from MMA and the one that brought him to the dance in the first place. I think it’s logical that [Ferreira] would be the one to get the shot at Francis.”