Francis Ngannou‘s return to the UFC once looked impossible, but now it doesn’t sound so farfetched. The former heavyweight champion left the promotion in early 2023 to pursue better financial prospects in boxing and negotiate a landmark deal with the PFL. However, with the deal now reportedly in jeopardy, the door he once slammed shut may be opening again. After all, Jon Jones still has the heavyweight championship, and a superfight between the two is one of the most anticipated fights the UFC has never had. So, will Ngannou find his way back? At least, that’s what it looks like.

According to journalist John Nash, Ngannou’s contract with the PFL may not be as binding as it first appeared. Nash stated on the ‘Hey, Not The Face’ podcast, “Francis Ngannou is one of their biggest sales pitches, and if it’s true that his contract has a termination date at the end of this month, they better get on that!”

Donn Davis, the founder of the PFL, has regularly stated that his fighters can compete with the best in the UFC, citing Ngannou as proof. But if the PFL loses its biggest star, this argument surely collapses. It might potentially affect everything in the UFC heavyweight division as well. Dana White has been vocal about moving on from Ngannou, but with ‘The Predator’ potentially returning to the market, will the UFC pass up the biggest fight in heavyweight history?

Francis Ngannou has already hinted at a return to boxing against Deontay Wilder, but a UFC offer would be difficult to refuse—especially with Jon Jones still looking for anyone apart from Tom Aspinall. If the PFL is unable to lock him down, could the UFC step in? That surely is a major possibility. But how true is this rumor of his deal ending with the PFL? Well, the PFL founder has himself come out to clear the air about it.

Francis Ngannou’s PFL status receives major clarification

Amid circulating rumors surrounding Francis Ngannou‘s future, PFL founder Donn Davis has stepped in to clarify the situation. Although recent reports state that Ngannou’s contract may be about to expire, paving the way for a potential return to free agency—and maybe a UFC comeback, Davis swiftly denied the reports.

“No truth, fake news. Francis has at least one more fight with [PFL],” Davis wrote on X. “Further, Francis is a long-term business partner as Chairman [of PFL Africa].” His statement completely contradicts John S. Nash’s claim about a termination clause. Given that PFL has made Ngannou one of its main selling factors in negotiations for a major TV contract, any doubt over his future could be reason for alarm.

Davis’ statements, however, appear to indicate confidence that Ngannou will not leave anytime soon. Despite Davis’ assurances, Ngannou’s future in the PFL remains uncertain. With a limited amount of high-profile heavyweight opponents available, the speculation over his contract status isn’t going away. While Ngannou has stated an interest in returning to boxing, Davis’ statement indicates that he will eventually return to the PFL SmartCage. But what do you think? Will Dana White try to bring back Ngannou to pit him against Jon Jones? Let us know in the comments.

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