Francis Ngannou: "What really convinced me to sign for the PFL"
Francis Ngannou is the new face of the Professional Fighters League. The Cameroonian left the UFC for an ambitious project, particularly one geared towards Africa.
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After keeping a low profile following his departure from the UFC in January, Francis Ngannou has finally revealed his next destination. The Cameroonian has joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The latter is an American mixed martial arts league launched in 2018. It is a fresh chapter for the multiple-time UFC heavyweight world champion. At odds with Dana White, the "Predator" has moved to the rival camp. His motivation lies elsewhere, though. That is what he told RFI. "It represents everything I have been fighting for in recent years. And it wipes away a bit of that bad experience. After the UFC, the idea was to find something better. That has been done at PFL", the Cameroonian fighter said at the outset.
The 117-kilo giant then revealed his main ambition at the PFL, which concerns the African continent. "The biggest factor that convinced me in my new contract is PFL Africa. For years I have been fighting, asking the UFC to stage a fight in Africa. But I realised it would never happen. Let's just say the UFC were not committed enough, and did not really want to. But for me, it was something close to my heart! We have launched PFL Africa, which will be a platform based entirely in Africa. The aim, first of all, is to help fighters develop and get access to quality training. Where we can, we will provide coaches, gyms, equipment, kit... And in a second phase, we will try to put on fights ", Francis Ngannou explained.
An idol for thousands of young people
Ngannou will also head up the PFL's Africa arm, proof that the fighter is regarded as the driving force of MMA in Africa. His goal, incidentally, is to stage a fight in Africa by the end of 2024. Ngannou, an inspiration to young Africans, has helped many of the continent's sons find a passion for MMA. He is not alone, as there are also the Nigerians Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman. However, the Cameroonian urges these youngsters to be patient, because the road is long.
"First of all, getting here took time. It takes years for the results to show to the wider public. I have had a foundation for five years, and I try to give children in Cameroon training facilities. In June, we will open the second gym of the Francis Ngannou foundation in Douala. It is a big gym, with a first level for training and a second for gala fights. Kamaru Usman also has his own organisation in Nigeria, called Africa KnockOut. It is long, hard work and it is not easy, but we are getting to something concrete. And the most fascinating thing is the enthusiasm! It is motivating. We hope this is only the beginning, and that it will carry on even when Israel, Kamaru and I are no longer fighting, because we are not eternal. However, the enthusiasm must not fade; it should even grow ", he said. It is worth noting that Francis Ngannou's contract with the PFL allows him to take part in boxing matches. In that sport, his dream fight is with Tyson Fury...
Also read: Anthony Joshua is no longer interested in a fight against Francis Ngannou