The Predator might be back: PFL hints at Something ‘Very Special’ for Ngannou. Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion and one of the most feared punchers in combat sports is expected back in action in 2026
According to Professional Fighters League (PFL) CEO John Martin. The PFL boss made it clear that Ngannou still has one fight remaining on his current contract, and the league is planning something very special for him next year. Despite interest in crossing back into boxing and public discussion about big-name fights, Martin emphasised that the PFL still sees Ngannou as a cornerstone for its heavyweight division and global expansion, especially through PFL Africa, where Ngannou has been a significant ambassador.
“I’ve spoken to Francis a number of times,” Martin told MMA Fighting. “He knows we’re working on something very special for him. I’d like to see what happens in the fight this week and see if [Vadim] Nemkov wins, if that makes sense. But Francis knows that we’re forward to him fighting in 2026, relatively soon hopefully and we’re trying to put something together that’s very special for him.
“He’s got one more fight under his contract and we’ll see what happens after that. In the meantime, he’s been a great ambassador for us and PFL Africa. I know he’s explored some [options] on the boxing front, too. We’ve been in reasonably frequent communication with him and his manager and his lawyer. I look forward to seeing Francis in the cage again.”
Ngannou has been a major figure both in MMA and boxing since leaving the UFC in 2023. In his lone PFL MMA appearance in October 2024, he made a statement by knocking out Renan Ferreira in the first round and later secured the promotion’s heavyweight championship. Ngannou recently hinted that his current PFL deal may run out before the UFC’s planned visit to the White House in June, a moment he hopes could set the stage for the long-awaited showdown with Jon Jones.
But before any of that unfolds, the PFL heavyweight picture will take a new shape this weekend in Lyon, France, where Vadim Nemkov and Renan Ferreira battle for the vacant title. If Nemkov emerges victorious, he could line himself up as the ideal comeback opponent for Ngannou when the former champion returns to MMA.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but one thing remains clear that PFL CEO John Martin insists that Francis Ngannou is still central to the promotion’s vision heading into 2026, and the organisation is preparing for something big when he steps back into the cage. “Yeah [he will fight in PFL again],” Martin said. “I just saw him not that long ago and he looks like he’s in great shape. I’m not worried about him not being in physical condition. He’s a physical specimen all around. Yes, stay tuned.”
With new champions emerging and the heavyweight division shifting once again, the suspense around Ngannou’s return grows even louder. Fans have waited, the PFL has hinted, and the pieces are slowly coming together. If 2025 was the buildup, 2026 might just be the year “The Predator” finally steps back into the spotlight with a bang.
