Francis Ngannou wants to join Jake Paul’s PFL after UFC exit, claims Dan Hardy

Dan Hardy, a former UFC welterweight contender and current analyst, recently made headlines with his comments about Francis Ngannou’s future in the sport. Hardy, who is also the PFL’s head of European Fighter Relations, told MiddleEasy that he believes the heavyweight champion will be joining the PFL shortly.

Dan Hardy is confident Francis Ngannou will join the PFL

Ngannou recently left the UFC after the organization allegedly failed to meet his contract demands during contract negotiations. Ngannou has remained a free agent despite rumors of a boxing match against either Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury. Hardy, on the other hand, is confident that the PFL can provide everything Ngannou has come to expect from the UFC and that the PFL is ready to accommodate his wallet.

“We’ll have Francis Ngannou coming over and fighting for it in no time. I just feel it in my bones … I just know he’s coming,” Hardy said.

Hardy also explained that Ngannou’s demands on the UFC are exactly what the PFL offers, including the opportunity to fight high-ranked opponents and earn a sizeable purse. He stressed that he believes the PFL will keep the heavyweight king happy as long as there is money on the table to match Ngannou’s wallet. He explained that the agreement was as good as signed.

While Hardy’s comments don’t rule out the chance of Ngannou joining the PFL, they do raise the possibility that the heavyweight champion is considering a move to the organization. The PFL has made major strides in recent years, including the acquisition of prominent free agents like former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis and former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler.

Francis Ngannou expresses desire to continue boxing career before returning to MMA

However, Francis Ngannou has expressed his desire to continue his boxing career before signing with a new MMA promotion. While Ngannou is currently in talks with promotions such as PFL and ONE Championship, his main goal is to make a name for himself in the boxing ring before returning to MMA.

In a recent chat with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Ngannou revealed his plans to potentially face boxing legends like Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury in the near future. However, he clarified that his first fight must be in the boxing ring and only then will he consider returning to MMA.

Ngannou stated, “There’s no rush but I’m having serious talks with PFL and also with ONE.”

If the 117kg MMA star joins the PFL it would certainly be a huge coup for the group. Ngannou’s brute strength and impressive KO wins have propelled him into the ranks of the world’s most feared fighters and his participation in the PFL could help boost the organization’s reputation and attract even more top-flight talent.

Only time will tell if Dan Hardy’s prediction comes true, but the thought of Francis Ngannou joining the PFL is undoubtedly exciting for MMA enthusiasts.