Ngannou says PFL deal nearly up, wants to fight Jones

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou teased Wednesday that he could be flipping to a new chapter in his career "soon," revealing that his contract with the PFL is close to expiring.

"I'm getting very close with the PFL contract," Ngannou said on "The Ariel Helwani Show." "They have to give me a fight."

Ngannou signed with the PFL as a free agent in May 2023, though he has fought just once in the promotion, scoring a first-round TKO of Renan Ferreira in October 2024. He's competed in two boxing matches since joining the PFL, losing to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in October 2023 and March 2024, respectively.

The 39-year-old Cameroonian didn't specify when his PFL contract expires but said he expects to be a free agent before the UFC's event at the White House next summer.

When asked which matchups interest him the most, Ngannou said he wants to fight Jon Jones in MMA and Deontay Wilder in boxing. He said that he isn't confident either will materialize in 2026 but that "there's a chance that everything can happen."

Ngannou also didn't rule out re-signing with the PFL. However, he expressed frustration about the inactivity he's experienced in the promotion.

"I don't really want to stay out this long," Ngannou said.

"The Predator" is still considered one of the top heavyweights in MMA, though he's made just one appearance in the cage - against Ferreira - in nearly four years. His final UFC bout was a January 2022 victory over Ciryl Gane. He vacated the heavyweight title the following year, leaving the promotion as a free agent.