Breaking – Francis Ngannou inks terms with the PFL ahead of promotional debut next year

PFL on signing UFC veteran Francis Ngannou It's all positiveFormer undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has reportedly inked terms on an official contract with the PFL (Professional Fighters League), ahead of a promotional debut next year as part of the super-fight division. As per an initial report from The New York Times, Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the […]

PFL on signing UFC veteran Francis Ngannou It's all positive

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has reportedly inked terms on an official contract with the PFL (Professional Fighters League), ahead of a promotional debut next year as part of the super-fight division.

As per an initial report from The New York Times, Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, will receive “equity and leadership roles” as part of his contract with the PFL.

Yet to book his official promotional debut, Francis Ngannou is expected to fight in the PFL’s super-fight division next year in his landing, as part of a pay-per-view event.

Ahead of his mixed martial arts return next year, Ngannou is set to make his long-rumored move to professional boxing this year first and foremost, with plans for his transition to the squared circle yet to be officially disclosed.

Sidelined from active completion since January of last year, Ngannou most recently headlined UFC 270 in a heavyweight title unification clash with then-interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane.

Successfully unifying the division titles, Ngannou scored a unanimous decision win over the Frenchman, defending the title he won via second round KO against Stipe Miocic the year prior.

Furthermore, Batié native, Ngannou is set to head-up PFL Africa in the role of chairman, where he will “represent fighters interests” as part of a role on the company’s advisory board.

Francis Ngannou departed the UFC officially back in January

Ngannou has departed the UFC back in January of this year, following the completion of his contractual obligations back in December of last year.

PFL confirm signing of former GLORY Kickboxing champion Cedric Doumbe amid UFC links

PFL confirm signing of GLORY Kickboxing champion Cedric Doumbe UFC linksThe PFL (Professional Fighters League) have confirmed the signing of former two-time GLORY Kickboxing welterweight champion, Cedric Doumbe to a multi-fight deal, following links to a move and debut with the UFC last year ahead of the promotion’s debut in France. Doumbe, 30, a native of Cameroon, currently boasts an undefeated 4-0 professional mixed martial […]

PFL confirm signing of GLORY Kickboxing champion Cedric Doumbe UFC links

The PFL (Professional Fighters League) have confirmed the signing of former two-time GLORY Kickboxing welterweight champion, Cedric Doumbe to a multi-fight deal, following links to a move and debut with the UFC last year ahead of the promotion’s debut in France.

Doumbe, 30, a native of Cameroon, currently boasts an undefeated 4-0 professional mixed martial arts record, since transitioning from kickboxing back in 2021.

Last featuring professionally in Paris at an MMA Grand Prix: Paris billed event back in March of this year, Cedric Doumbe landed a second round TKO win over Pawel Kilmas in the French capital.

Cedric Doumbe has been teasing news of a move on his official social media

Teasing news of his impending move in recent weeks, Doumbe, a decorated striker issued a plea to viewers and fans on his official YouTube channel, urging them to vote on a poll to determine whether he should sign for the PFL, UFC, or Bellator MMA.

However, as per official confirmation from the PFL this Wednesday evening, the 83-7-1 kickboxing star, Doumbe has penned a multi-fight deal with the organization.

“-2x GLORY Kickboxing welterweight champion

 -2016 A1 WGP final tournament champion

 -World Kickboxing Association world champion

“The Best” HAS ARRIVED,” PFL tweeted. “Welcome to the Professional Fighter’s League @CedricDoumbe.” 

A heralded kickboxing talent, Doumbe, most recently featured at GLORY 77: Rotterdam abc in January 2021, securing a second round KO win over Murthel Groenhart. 

Over the course of his decorated and gold-laden professional kickboxing tenure, Cedric Doumbe has landed victories over the likes of Brad Riddell, Nieky Holzkien, Yoann Kongolo, Yohan Lidon, Thonchai Sitsongpeenong Jimmy Vienot, Harut Grigorian, and Alim Baiev to name a few. 

Following UFC 287 last month in Miami, Florida – Doumbe posted a cryptic tweet aimed at two-time undisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya.

Ahead of UFC Fight Night Paris last September, Doumbe was linked with a move to the organization and a debut at the Accor Arena event, in a matchup against Darian Weeks, however, the French MMA Federation called a halt to the pairing, declaring that fighters competing with less than 10 professional fights should not compete against other competitors with a four-fight plus differential in experience. 

PFL provide update on pursuit of ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou: ‘We have a very close relationship’

PFL update on signing Francis Ngannou we have a very close relationshipPFL (Professional Fighters League) CEO, Peter Murray, has provided an update on their pursuit of former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, claiming the pair are currently enjoying a “very close relationship”. Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has yet to compete professionally in mixed martial arts since headlining […]

PFL update on signing Francis Ngannou we have a very close relationship

PFL (Professional Fighters League) CEO, Peter Murray, has provided an update on their pursuit of former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, claiming the pair are currently enjoying a “very close relationship”.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has yet to compete professionally in mixed martial arts since headlining UFC 270 back in January of last year.

Successfully unifying the heavyweight titles on that occasion, Cameroon striker, Ngannou defeated former interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane in a unanimous decision victory in their Anaheim, California clash.

Seeing his contractual obligations with the UFC come to an end in December of last year, Batié native, Francis Ngannou was handed his release from the promotion back in January, seeing his championship stripped as well as his removal from the official rankings. 

Linked with a slew of potential future ventures ahead of his return to combat sports, Francis Ngannou has been welcomed to professional boxing by both former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder – as well as Matchroom Boxing leader, Eddie Hearn, however, the latter doubts the ex-UFC champion’s ability to compete at a high level.

In terms of a mixed martial arts return, Ngannou has been discussed as potential targets for both the above-mentioned, PFL, and the Singapore-based, ONE Championship.

As for the PFL, promotional leader, Murray, noted the positive relationship currently held between both parties ahead of a potential move.

“Hey, listen, Francis (Ngannou) make it very clear that he’s going to box,” Murray told MMA Junkie during a recent interview. “We’re excited to see how those plans materialize. We have a very close relationship and more to come on next steps on Francis, related to MMA.” 

In the midst of a six-fight winning run, Ngannou had minted himself as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion with a devastating second round knockout win over Stipe Miocic in the pair’s title rematch in March 2021. 

Dana White shuts down UFC return for Francis Ngannou

Furthermore, a potential future return to the UFC for Ngannou appears firmly off the cards for the former champion, with UFC boss, Dana White describing him as “absolutely impossible to deal with.”

Jake Paul confirms altercation with Floyd Mayweather was fake: ‘We got exactly what we wanted’

Jake Paul Floyd Mayweather altercation was fake PR stuntBoxing influencer Jake Paul has said his viral run in with Floyd Mayweather was actually staged. Back in March, the two clashed outside of the Kaseya Center following a Miami Heat game. Paul was leaving the arena when he was suddenly approached by Mayweather and his entourage. After a tense verbal interaction, Jake Paul, who […]

Jake Paul Floyd Mayweather altercation was fake PR stunt

Boxing influencer Jake Paul has said his viral run in with Floyd Mayweather was actually staged.

Back in March, the two clashed outside of the Kaseya Center following a Miami Heat game.

Paul was leaving the arena when he was suddenly approached by Mayweather and his entourage.

After a tense verbal interaction, Jake Paul, who was heavily outnumbered by Mayweather’s men, was seen running off.

Although Paul admittedly criticized his own actions for fleeing the scene, he is now saying it was all a ploy to stir up fight rumours.

Jake Paul claims his altercation with Floyd Mayweather was a PR stunt

Speaking with Wade Plem on his livestream, the ‘Problem Child’ claims it was a successful PR stunt which attracted many eyes.

This is not the first time Paul has clashed with ‘Money’ Mayweather.

The two have a history dating back to the leadup of his brother Logan’s fight with Mayweather.

They came face-to-face in a heated debate until Jake snatched his hat and a brawl broke out.

Mayweather, who’s professional record stands immaculately at 50-0, is constantly in question regarding whether or not he is actually retired, but he is clearly still enthused by the fight game.

Paul is coming off the first professional loss of his career to the hands of heavyweight icon Tyson Fury’s younger brother, Tommy Fury.

Paul has also recently signed a contract with the PFL, leaving him numerous routes to choose from in his next venture, although a rematch with Fury is favoured.

Biaggio Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, scores early KO at PFL 2: ‘I want to create my own legacy’

Biaggio Ali WalshBiaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, scored his third-straight first-round finish inside the PFL Smart Cage on Friday night. Biaggio Ali Walsh, 24, made his second appearance for the promotion after securing a highlight-reel-worthy knockout of Tom Graesser in just 45 seconds as part of the 2022 PFL Championship pay-per-view event […]

Biaggio Ali Walsh

Biaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, scored his third-straight first-round finish inside the PFL Smart Cage on Friday night.

Biaggio Ali Walsh, 24, made his second appearance for the promotion after securing a highlight-reel-worthy knockout of Tom Graesser in just 45 seconds as part of the 2022 PFL Championship pay-per-view event last year. Walsh needed a little bit longer this time, but once again got the job done without seeing the second round. Stepping into the Smart Cage on Friday, Walsh was matched up with 1-1 fighter Isaiah Figueroa in a non-tournament amateur bout.

From the opening bell Biaggio Ali Walsh put on the pressure, pushing Figueroa to the fence before uncorking a vicious right hand that connected clean and rocked his opponent. Smelling blood in the water, Walsh showed great restraint, opting to pick his opponent apart with a more measured approach. It paid off as Walsh landed another brutal right hand, giving the referee no choice, but to step in and call for the stoppage just under the two-minute mark.

Biaggio Ali Walsh Determined to Create His Own Legacy

Following the victory, Biaggio Ali Walsh spoke with Sean O’Connell inside the Smart Cage, revealing that he was feeling a little tense in the early going.

“I started this fight off a little tense. Obviously nervous fighting in front of my hometown and everything so I had to relax for a second once I relaxed, that’s when I got everything adjusted,” Walsh revealed.

As far as what comes next, Walsh intends on staying busy by taking amateur fights until he feels comfortable turning pro.

“What’s next is I’m gonna fight again. After that, I’m going to fight again. And after that, I’m going to fight again. I’m going to keep fighting until I’m ready to turn pro,” Walsh continued.

Walsh admitted that being the grandson of one of the most famous sports figures of the 20th century brings an added level of pressure to perform, but he is determined to make a name for himself rather than rely on the legacy of a man known the world over as ‘The Greatest.’

“Make a name for myself. Create my own legacy. You know, every single fighter in the world wants to make their own name. Make their own legacy. I’m doing the exact same thing as any other fighter. I just have a famous grandfather is the only difference and with that, I get a little bit more pressure. A little more attention as well, but what happens in the cage is what really matters,” Walsh concluded.