After signing with the PFL in Might of 2023, there may be nonetheless no information relating to when Francis Ngannou will probably be making his debut within the SmartCage.
A number of elements have led to this postponement just like the success he had towards Tyson Fury in boxing and the tragic lack of his son earlier this yr.
The one large improvement relating to his profession within the PFL was the current announcement that PFL Africa will launch within the second quarter of 2025, with the previous UFC heavyweight champion performing because the Chairman.
This was a vital side in his choice to signal with the promotion following his UFC departure however Randy Couture believes it could have been much more vital relating to his future within the PFL.
Randy Couture Says Francis Ngannou’s PFL Africa Function Has Been Essential To His Continued Involvement
In a current interview with InsideFighting, PFL commentator Randy Couture stated that the affirmation of PFL Africa might have helped to maintain Ngannou with the promotion.
The previous UFC gentle heavyweight and heavyweight champion acknowledged that he believes that Ngannou could have felt at odds with the promotion after the PFL vs Bellator Champions occasion earlier this yr.
When Renan Ferreira stopped Ryan Bader in the primary occasion, the PFL regarded to arrange the Brazilian as their big-money signing’s debut opponent within the SmartCage however Ngannou didn’t appear overly enthused by the thought.
Couture says that it may possibly’t be underestimated how a lot this position as Chairman of PFL Africa means to Ngannou due to his need to give again to others who come from related backgrounds.
“I believe there’s been a bit of blip after the boxing and Fury after which shedding within the subsequent one they usually had been pushing him to say, ‘Sure I need to tackle Renan Ferreira,’ the winner of this champions vs champions and Francis was there at cage facet and I believe that rubbed Francis the unsuitable manner a bit of bit.
“However, on the finish of the day, this chance to be the Chairman for PFL Africa is what saved him there [at PFL] and I believe it means loads to him. As a lot as him persevering with to develop his legacy and set up himself as among the finest heavyweight combined martial artists on this planet and definitely an incredible boxer at this stage of issues too, I believe this chairmanship in Africa means loads to him and he desires to do one thing particular for his countrymen.”
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