Francis Ngannou tells Joe Rogan he was "sick of drama" in UFC, details "healthy relationship" with PFL

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou recently said on The Joe Rogan Experience that a key factor in his departure from the UFC was the "drama" surrounding his relationship with the promotion.

Ngannou's decision to leave the world's premier MMA organization sent shockwaves through the sport in December 2022. While UFC CEO Dana White expressed his disapproval, Ngannou made it clear his reasons stemmed from dissatisfaction with the UFC environment. 'The Predator' said:

"I was trying to like even to the UFC I have requested to be like, oh I want to be the UFC ambassador in Africa I want to do something out there. I'm like, oh no, we don't know, you know, this is not we don't... I really get tired or sick of drama... and that will take a lot out of you. You get to the point that you, I’m like, I want, I just want this to be over.”

Ngannou specifically mentioned his desire for a more active role in promoting MMA in Africa. He expressed frustration with the UFC's lack of support for his vision, whereas the PFL readily embraced his ideas and established PFL Africa with him as chairman:

"And then I get a PFL. They say, 'Okay, we're doing this we'll do that.' They show me the roadmap like okay. We launched PFL Africa 2025, you're the PFL Africa chairman. I'm like which extent because I don't want that bulls*it of paper chairman or whatever it is like... then they put it out and show me some element I'm like good then I'm on board Hmm…. To be honest one thing I have a healthy relationship [with the PFL]."

Check out Francis Ngannou's comments below (52:01):

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Francis Ngannou on potential date and opponent for PFL debut

In the same podcast episode, Francis Ngannou also hinted at his return to MMA competition. Ngannou has not fought in the sport since his departure from the UFC.

Speaking to Joe Rogan, Ngannou said that he expects to be back in action by the end of the year under the PFL banner. He mentioned a potential fight date of Oct. 19 in Saudi Arabia, with Renan Ferreira as his likely opponent.

“I will be fighting by the end of the year. That’s what the PFL is working on [a fight in Saudi Arabia]. October, sometime. They’re working on October. It’s not finalized yet, but they were talking about October 19. I think Renan Ferreira is the guy, I’ve been telling people about this guy for almost two years. Very athletic. Fast hands, knees, very athletic. I think it’s going to be him.” [H/t: Sporting News]