Francis Ngannou reacts to new role as PFL beats UFC to Africa events with a tentative 2025 timeline

Francis Ngannou recently expressed his thoughts on landing a new position as PFL beat UFC to bring mixed martial arts events to Africa. According to reports, PFL events in Africa are scheduled to start in 2025.

As a component of PFL's regional leagues, PFL Africa joins PFL Europe and PFL MENA. Promotion officials said Wednesday morning that PFL Africa would debut in 2025 and consist of a regular season followed by playoffs. All competitions will be hosted in Africa and will feature top African fighters.

The promotion also revealed that Ngannou will be the chairman of PFL Africa. The former UFC heavyweight champion signed a contract in May 2023 that grants him leadership responsibilities and stock in the company.

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Ngannou recently released a statement upon bagging the role, saying:

''I am excited and honored to serve as Chairman of PFL Africa, a league that will shape the very foundation of African MMA. As we have seen there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. I am so very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fanbase.'' [H/t: MMA Fighting]

As for the MMA scene, Ngannou last appeared in the UFC in January 2022, against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. After winning the bout by unanimous decision, the Cameroonian left the promotion owing to contractual concerns.

Following that, Ngannou entered the boxing world and lost his first two professional boxing fights against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.

It's uncertain who Ngannou would compete against if he returned to boxing. One possible opponent that has been mentioned is Deontay Wilder. Meanwhile, the 37-year-old is set to face Renan Ferreira in his PFL debut.

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When PFL champion called out Francis Ngannou for a fight in Africa

2023 PFL light heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay previously expressed his desire to move up to heavyweight and face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Nagnnou.

In an interview with Mirror Fighting, Kasanganay stated his wish to be a part of a modern "Rumble in the Jungle," referring to the well-known fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. He said:

''The PFL Africa season is slated to start in 2025, I can go and claim that victory too. Recreate the 'Rumble in the Jungle' and take out Francis Ngannou in Kinshasa, exactly where my parents are from." [H/t: Mirror Fighting]