Francis Ngannou is nowhere to be found in the new PFL rankings, and the promotion has responded amid speculation.
PFL recently rolled out its new ranking system, which is handled by the Combat Registry. When Ngannou’s name was absent, some wondered if “The Predator” was on the outs with the company. It appears that may not exactly be the case.
PFL CEO John Martin spoke to MMAFighting.com and he made it clear that he had nothing to do with Ngannou’s omission from the new rankings.
“We didn’t come up with the rankings,” Martin said. “I haven’t spoke to Combat Registry. Maybe it’s Francis’ inactivity that didn’t allow him to be eligible for the rankings. There was nothing on our part to keep him out of the rankings.”
As far as what’s next for Ngannou under the PFL banner, that remains a mystery.
“I don’t have anything to announce at the moment on Francis,” Martin said. “If there’s a fight that makes sense for Francis and the PFL, we’ll make it happen. We’re still working through that. When there’s something to announce, I’ll announce it. I know that’s not satisfying but that’s where I’m at right now.”
Ngannou has only fought in the PFL SmartCage once. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion knocked out Renan Ferreira in the first round of their clash back on Oct. 19, 2024. Ngannou hasn’t even had a boxing match since that fight and questions have been looming about “The Predator’s” fighting future.
Back in early 2023, Ngannou left UFC as the promotion’s heavyweight champion. He pursued two lucrative boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua before competing in his first PFL bout. After missing all of 2025, Ngannou’s next move this year will be a story to watch.
Do you think Francis Ngannou will ever have another fight in PFL again? Voice your opinion in the comment section below.