PFL CEO Discusses Francis Ngannou’s Exclusion from Latest Rankings
Francis Ngannou, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts, made headlines recently after his absence from the latest Professional Fighters League (PFL) rankings. Despite being the biggest free-agent acquisition in PFL history, Ngannou has only participated in one fight for the organization, which was a TKO victory against Renan Ferreira in October 2024.
PFL Rankings and Ngannou’s Exclusion
The PFL released its new rankings, revealing that Ngannou was not listed in the heavyweight category. Instead, Vadim Nemkov claimed the top spot, followed closely by Ferreira. This decision has raised questions about Ngannou’s future with the promotion.
CEO Comments on Rankings
John Martin, the CEO of PFL, addressed the situation during a recent interview. He stated, “We didn’t come up with the rankings. I haven’t spoken to Combat Registry. Maybe it’s Francis’ inactivity that didn’t allow him to be eligible.” Martin emphasized that there was no intentional effort to exclude Ngannou from the rankings.
Future Uncertainty
- Ngannou has one fight remaining on his PFL contract.
- His contract may have an expiration date affecting future bouts.
- He is actively promoting PFL Africa but has not confirmed any upcoming fights.
Martin reiterated that there is no current update regarding Ngannou’s next fight. “I don’t have anything to announce at the moment on Francis,” he mentioned, alluding to ongoing discussions about potential matchups that align with both Ngannou’s interests and the PFL’s plans.
Potential for Future Fights
Despite the uncertainty, Martin remains optimistic. He stated, “If we can find a fight that makes sense for him and the PFL, then I think there’s some real chance that he’s going to fight.” Martin acknowledged Ngannou’s talent and affirmed that fans are eager to see him compete again.
In conclusion, while Ngannou’s current standing in the PFL is unclear, both he and the organization seem to be exploring future opportunities. This ongoing situation will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike as developments unfold.
