Francis Ngannou leaves UFC for freedom to chase new opportunities
- Francis Ngannou has expressed the desire to pursue various combat sports interests since leaving the UFC.
- He is currently in discussion for a fight with Rico Verhoeven, a renowned kickboxing champion.
- The anticipated fight could significantly impact both fighters' careers and the PFL's prominence in combat sports.
In recent months, Francis Ngannou has transitioned away from the UFC, motivated by a desire to explore diverse combat sports opportunities. This exploration has led him to engage in discussions regarding a groundbreaking fight with Rico Verhoeven, the prominent Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion. Verhoeven, known for his exceptional kickboxing prowess, recently defended his title successfully in the Netherlands, but there remains uncertainty about the specifics of a potential match with Ngannou, including the format—whether it will be in mixed martial arts or boxing. Ngannou, who made his return to MMA in October 2024 with an explosive first-round TKO victory over Renan Ferreira, is aiming to keep his combat sports career dynamic and engaging. Notably, the Professional Fighters League (PFL), which can facilitate Ngannou's matchups, has shown interest as it seeks to reclaim the momentum generated when Ngannou signed with them following his UFC exit. However, it's also interesting to note that Verhoeven has dabbled in MMA, having won one fight nearly a decade ago, yet he has primarily focused on kickboxing. The potential fight between Ngannou and Verhoeven could be a significant event, drawing considerable attention and potentially reinvigorating interest in the PFL as the organization strives to establish a competitive front in the broader combat sports landscape. This matchup holds promise not just for the fighters involved but also for fans eagerly anticipating these elite competitors facing off in 2025.