Francis Ngannou’s free agency, at least in MMA, came to an end this week. Now that PFL is his new home after signing a groundbreaking deal, many are wondering what kind of competition Ngannou will face in the cage.
Ngannou’s PFL debut likely won’t happen until mid-2024, and there could be heavyweights in other promotions looking to fight out their contracts to get a piece of Ngannou sometime next year.
With that in mind, here are five realistic options for the former UFC heavyweight champion, ranked based on interest.
5
Junior Dos Santos
A rematch with Junior Dos Santos is a viable option PFL can look into.
Sure, the two already fought and Ngannou came out victorious in quick fashion, as he often does. But Dos Santos, 39, is still a big name – being a former UFC champion and one of the best to ever do it at heavyweight – and he just happens to be a free agent.
The Brazilian has seen better days in his fighting career, but his losing streak is quite deceiving. On his way out of the UFC, Dos Santos mainly lost to title contenders or champions/former champions – Ngannou, Ciryl Gane, Curtis Blaydes, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
In his most recent outing, back in May 2022 under Eagle FC, “Cigano” turned back the clock, putting on a vintage performance against current PFL heavyweight Yorgan De Castro. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury that forced the doctor to stop the fight, much like Bellator’s Aaron Pico vs. Jeremy Kennedy.
Dos Santos still has fight left in him. He’s available, and you can’t erase what he’s done in the sport. He’s a historic figure and household name in MMA.
4
2023 PFL Heavyweight champion
This isn’t just the Ngannou show. Remember, the PFL is making a huge investment, and they’re obviously they’re expecting a return.
If the PFL is interested in growing their brand, they could put the 2023 heavyweight champion as a rival for Ngannou. That way, if Ngannou loses, they’re fighting with four-ounce gloves after all, some star power is transferred to an in-house fighter and not a random big name making their debut for the promotion.
This, of course, may come with a drawback. Although skilled, at the moment none of the current heavyweights competing in the 2023 PFL heavyweight season are big, household names. This could have effects in terms of buzz. Regardless, leave some room for change, the season is still in motion and the right kind of performances can always put a fighter on the map.
3
Ben Rothwell
Ben Rothwell was one of the big names that jumped to throw his name in the hat when the purse for Ngannou’s opponent was revealed. Looking to bank on a couple of million dollars, Rothwell said he’s more than down to face Ngannou, and this is actually a very solid option that PFL should consider.
Weigh-in in at close to 300 pounds, Rothwell, 41, has had a terrifying resurgence in his combat sports career. Since his release from the UFC, Rothwell picked up consecutive stoppages in the bareknuckle boxing world, showcasing improved boxing and still present knockout power. Keep in mind, Rothwell left the UFC in decent shape. He requested and was granted his UFC release, he did not get cut from the promotion due to bad showings.
There’s no denying that Rothwell’s stock has gone up under the BKFC, and his career is at a high point at the moment.
Rothwell is also a solid B side to all of this. He’s not a nobody. He competed in the UFC for well over a decade and defeated many notable fighters including Alistair Overeem, Josh Barnett, Roy Nelson, Brandon Vera, Stefan Stuve, Brendan Schaub, and many others.
There’s no denying that Rothwell’s name still demands respect in the fight world. He’s also a fun personality, and that could lend itself to a fun buildup against Ngannou.
Lastly, on paper, Rothwell does provide a competitive fight. It would be foolish to rule him out from taking home a win and upsetting Ngannou.
Ok @francis_ngannou is officially the #1 HW to call out.
I’m your huckleberry 💪
Congratulations on the signing 👍🙏 pic.twitter.com/BFtdn0q5d2
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) May 16, 2023
2
Alistair Overeem
Yes, another rematch, but there’s a case to be made that a fight against Alistair Overeem today makes for a much more compelling bout than when they originally fought in 2017 – especially because it’s outside the UFC.
Overeem, 43, left the UFC last year to resume his kickboxing career under Glory Kickboxing. In his return, he defeated the legendary Badr Hari in a unanimous decision and looked great in the process. He seemed physically stronger and in much better shape compared to his final years in the UFC. Subsequently Glory Kickboxing would overturn Overeem’s win to a no contest a few months later due to a failed drug test – but neither here nor there.
Like Dos Santos, Overeem is a household name in the combat sports world, with the exception that his stock and momentum is much higher than dos Santos’. The former Strikeforce and Dream heavyweight champion left the UFC on a 4-2 run and showed in October he’s still a threat. Pair his decent form with his name value, and you got a big ol’ heavyweight fight.
Overeem remains one of the biggest names today at heavyweight, and does provide a degree of doubt when faced against Ngannou. It could be a compelling rematch if built up properly.
1
Fabricio Werdum
Fabricio Werdum is probably the best and most realistic option for Ngannou, and that’s why he sits at No. 1 on the list.
For starters, Werdum, 45, is already under PFL contract. He signed in late 2020 and debuted in May 2021 against Renan Ferreira. It was originally a TKO loss, but there was plenty of controversy surrounding it – enough that the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board overturned it to a no contest, as Ferreira seemed to have tapped before the finish.
Werdum hasn’t fought since, but he hasn’t been sitting on the couch. In recent posts, he seems to be in the best shape of his career, showing a physical prowess never seen before.
Keep in mind, Wedum is no stranger to shocking the MMA world. We can’t forget he was the man that ended the legendary 28-fight win streak of Fedor Emelianenko, someone who, like Ngannou, was considered “the baddest man on the panet” at the time.
Werdum is already under PFL contract, he’s a former UFC champion, and more importantly, a fresh matchup for Ngannou – making him the best and most realistic option.
He also wants the smoke.
Hi @francis_ngannou I shock the world when I beat Fedor also when I beat Cain And I become undisputed UFC heavyweight champion you have a lot of hole in your game let’s go @PFLMMA @DonnDavisPFL @PeteMurrayPFL only one way to find out PFL smart cage
— Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) May 4, 2023
