Despite signing with the PFL more than two years ago, Francis Ngannou has fought only once for the organization, focusing more on boxing than MMA. Earlier this year, a motorcycle accident kept him inactive, and his absence at the PFL Africa debut as chairman raised questions about his commitment to the promotion. Last month, ‘The Predator’ repaired his relationship with the PFL after meeting new PFL CEO John Martin in Dubai to address matters directly. Amid speculation, Ngannou’s name has come up as a potential opponent for Jake Paul, though since August, he has focused on Deontay Wilder.

Fans continue to wonder whether he will compete next in MMA or boxing, and we may finally have an answer. Recently, Francis Ngannou caught everyone’s attention during an interview with TMZ Sports. When asked about potential big fights, Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira or Jon Jones vs. himself at the White House, Ngannou responded with a smile, saying, “You know the answer,” thereby indicating his intentions. In the same interview, he also shared his return timeline.

Francis Ngannou reveals update on PFL fighting plans

Francis Ngannou spoke candidly with TMZ Sports, saying, “I’m waiting for the PFL these days. I think by November they will tell me exactly where we are at.” Because of this, he clarified to TMZ Sports that he is not planning a return to MMA anytime soon, focusing instead on boxing: “But so far, nothing—basically not on MMA.” At the same time, he also emphasized that he remains ready for competition at any moment, “…though I’m quite in shape.” The Cameroonian star has already ventured into boxing twice, facing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Although he lost both bouts, he reportedly earned $30 million from the two fights. Consequently, his latest comments about the PFL come alongside remarks from Founder and Chairman Donn Davis, who in January expressed interest in promoting a boxing match for Francis Ngannou. “As I said with Francis,” Davis told talkSPORT MMA in Dubai, “One; we’re true partners, we work with him on what’s the best thing for the year.

“So we’re still in discussions with him, but it will be one boxing and one MMA. It’s one MMA and one boxing, [we decide] what order and what opponents to maximise Francis’ career that year.”

Therefore, this approach aligns with Francis Ngannou’s priorities, “boxing first.” He left the UFC in 2023 after Dana White’s contract restrictions limited his freedom to explore other opportunities. As a result, with his next boxing fight on the horizon, an MMA retirement appears increasingly likely.

On the Joe Rogan podcast, ‘The Predator’ revealed he plans to fight four boxing matches before retiring. The third bout is already shaping up, as Deontay Wilder confirmed last September that he is interested in facing Francis Ngannou.

Deontay Wilder wants to test his power against Ngannou

Francis Ngannou has made it clear that he plans to face former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, and it comes as no surprise. Alongside Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Wilder ranks among the “big three” heavyweights of the late 2010s. He has been preparing for this showdown for months.

In September, Wilder appeared on the Ariel Helwani Show and directly messaged the Cameroonian: “Francis, let’s get it on, baby,” a moment that surely thrilled Francis Ngannou, who aims to maximize his earnings before stepping away from fighting.

Fans have linked the two to a potential boxing match ever since Ngannou’s October 2023 debut, where he knocked down Tyson Fury but lost a split decision. “If you’re serious about what you’re saying, I am serious about what I’m saying. Let’s get it on once and for all. Your power against my power. Let’s test it out, baby. If you’re down, I’m down. We can go to the motherland, too, baby — Africa, let’s go,” Wilder said.

Now that Francis Ngannou is back in the spotlight and possibly returning to boxing, do you think his never-fulfilled fight against Jon Jones will remain one of the biggest ‘what ifs’ in MMA history? Share your thoughts below.