Francis Ngannou is the first African heavyweight world champion in history. He is a Cameroonian-French MMA fighter who ranks among the most brutal strikers in the history of the sport.
However, the professional fighter is getting ready to retire after capturing the UFC heavyweight title. He imagined a localized UFC in Africa. He stated to RMC Sport in an interview from 2017 that he wants Africa to build a promotion similar to the UFC because the continent has so much potential.
“We have all the potential … I think Africa can develop something big and beautiful that is adapted to the continent,” Ngannou said.
According to him, Africa has the right fighters, adding that there are more than 550 male fighters in different divisions in the UFC. Of these 550 fighters, there are less than 50 Africans, but three are champions, he noted.
“That’s less than 5% of African fighters, but 43% of champions. In terms of percentages, we dominate the UFC. If the UFC comes to Africa, it’s beautiful,” he told RMC Sports.
Through his collaboration with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), which makes him a minority owner, Ngannou is currently realizing his ambition. PFL is recognized as one of the international sports leagues with one of the highest rates of growth and the second-best MMA organization globally.
The professional boxer will serve as chairman and a minor equity owner in PFL Africa as a result of the relationship. He will also participate on the PFL’s Global Athlete Advisory Board and lead the PPV Super Fight Division.
“I am very excited for this game-changing partnership with the Professional Fighters League to continue my MMA fighting career in the PFL’s PPV Super Fight Division,” Ngannou said in a press statement. “I believe in the PFL’s ‘fighter first’ culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa.”
Ngannou has been hired as part of the collaboration agreement to compete only in MMA for the PFL’s new PPV Super Fight Division. He is slated to make his PFL PPV Super Fight debut in mid-2024 against a significant international MMA starfighter who will be determined in the future.
Additionally, the division has created a plan to improve real commercial alliances with the sport’s elite athletes to compete in international mega-events, offering 50% of the PPV fight earnings.
Peter Murray, the CEO of PFL, has vowed to collaborate with Ngannou to realize his vision and have an impact on African communities.
“Beyond working with Francis to advance the sport of MMA and scale PFL globally, I’m personally looking forward to supporting Francis in his commitment to fight for communities in Africa and around the world, inspired by his vision for the Francis Ngannou Foundation,” he said.