Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world after revealing that his contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) is coming to an end, opening the door to blockbuster fights in 2026, including possible showdowns with Jon Jones and Deontay Wilder.
Speaking about his future, the 39-year-old Cameroonian said he is keeping every option open and has no intention of rushing into a long-term commitment.
“My PFL contract is ending soon. I’ll be a free agent for 2026, so anything is possible,” Ngannou confirmed.
The heavyweight star signed with the PFL in 2023 in a groundbreaking deal that gave him unprecedented freedom and guaranteed opportunities for African fighters. However, he has fought only once in the promotion, knocking out Renan Ferreira in spectacular fashion.
Ngannou revealed he could return to the UFC — a possibility fans have been dreaming about since his controversial exit from the organization.
“A fight with Jon Jones? That’s still on the table. Anything is possible,” he said, refusing to close the door on the super-fight that never materialized.
He also mentioned former boxing champion Deontay Wilder as a potential opponent, hinting that his next career move could include more crossover bouts.
“Wilder remains an option. I’m exploring everything,” he added.
Ngannou’s announcement comes just months before the UFC is scheduled to host its historic event at the White House on July 4, 2026, a date he says he will be fully available for as a free agent.
“I’ll be free by then, so let’s see what happens,” he teased.
Despite his uncertain future, Ngannou emphasized that he enjoyed his time with the PFL and has not ruled out re-signing with the promotion.
“PFL is still an option. I’m not closing the door on anything,” he said.
As 2026 approaches, Ngannou’s next move is set to dominate global fight headlines, with fans eagerly awaiting whether he lands in the UFC, PFL, the boxing ring, or somewhere entirely unexpected.
