PFL parts with heavyweight star Ngannou

Heavyweight star Francis Ngannou is a free agent.

The PFL announced Friday that it has released Ngannou from his contract, making the 39-year-old available for new opportunities.

"The Professional Fighting League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou," the promotion said in a statement. "We have great respect for Francis as both an athlete and a person, and we wish him success in the next chapter of his combat sports career."

Ngannou left the UFC in 2022 following a contract dispute despite being the promotion's undisputed heavyweight champion at the time. He earned a unanimous decision against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022 in his sole title defense.

The Cameroonian signed with the PFL in May 2023 but fought only once during his tenure, securing a first-round stoppage over Renan Ferreira in October 2024.

Ngannou was named the chairman of PFL Africa when the series was officially launched in May 2025.

He's also dabbled in boxing in recent years. Ngannou lost a close decision to former world champion Tyson Fury in an October 2023 bout in his first foray in the professional ranks before getting knocked out by Anthony Joshua in the second round in March 2024.