Francis Ngannou's signing with the Professional Fighters League became an official failure on Friday. Three years ago, the former UFC heavyweight king had a falling out with the MMA world leader and decided to shake up the sport by taking his talents to the PFL. However, after only one tie in the league, both sides decided to end their relationship this week.
The news immediately sparked speculation about a possible return to the UFC. However, this will be very difficult given his poor relationship with the company's CEO Dana White. However, with CFO Hunter Campbell having a huge role in the promotion, he may decide to do what's best for the business and try to bring "The Predator" back if the price is right.
If Ngannou and the UFC can work out their issues and plan a return to the Octagon, here are five bouts we'd love to see in 2026 and 2027.
Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones
While there are rumors of a clash between MMA icons Jon Jones and Alex Pereira at the UFC White House card in June, fight fans have wanted a bout with Francis Ngannou for years. There were definitely talks of a fight when the King of Cameroon was still the heavy king. But they could never get the deal across the finish line.
With Ngannou now having less leverage, it may be far easier to get a contract signed for a blockbuster matchup.
Francis Ngannou vs. Tom Aspinall
If Jones is no longer interested in a fight with Ngannou, another easy pivot would be to a matchup with current champion Tom Aspinall. Apparently, the Englishman needs to get his eyes back to normal after the surgery he had last month. However, if he can return to full health, there will be plenty of interest in booking two of the most influential legends of the last five years.
Francis Ngannou vs. Alex Pereira
If Pereira vs. Jones takes place, and the Brazilian wins, his next goal will be to remain at heavyweight and make history by becoming the first UFC fighter to win titles in three divisions. If Aspinall is still not ready to fight, it would not be a surprise if Pereira and Ngannou are placed in an interim title fight.
Seeing Pereira in the same cage as the heavyweight Ngannou will be a sight to behold and a must-see for fight fans.
Francis Ngannou vs. Sergei Pavlovich
If the UFC doesn't want to push Francis Ngannou into his first title fight, his plan would be to face one of the division's contenders. That's why Russia's Sergei Pavlovich would be a possible option. He is almost as big and powerful as the former heavyweight champion. So the matchup will be a great test for Ngannou's comeback. Additionally, this fight would be a huge co-main event for any upcoming numbered UFC event.
francis ngannou vs tyson fury
If the UFC re-signs Ngannou, one direction outside the box he could go would be a clash in the Octagon with Tyson Fury. There was a fight between these two in a boxing match three years ago and the Cameroonian player caused the biggest upset in history. There has been an uproar regarding the rematch for a long time. Doing it in MMA – a sport in which the Englishman has often competed – would make sense.
With White running Zuffa Boxing, a trilogy fight could take place in the ring, or it could be part of a two-fight, two-sport deal between the boxing giant and parent company TKO Group Holdings.
