PFL founder and co‑owner Donn Davis commented on the absence of heavyweight Francis Ngannou from the organization’s first event in Africa, held on July 20 in Cape Town.
Donn Davis
You have to ask Francis (why he was not present). I’m not going to hide it — I expected him (at GrandWest Arena). This is part of his vision, so that all those fighters out there don’t have to leave the continent like he did. We worked for two years. I’m direct and say what I think — I’m disappointed.
When signing his contract with PFL, Francis Ngannou was appointed chairman of PFL Africa.
In the main event of PFL Africa 2025: First Round, Johnny Eblеn lost to Costello van Steenis by rear‑naked choke in the fifth round in the fight for the middleweight title.
Ngannou’s last fight took place in October 2024 at PFL Super Fights – Battle of the Giants, against Renan Ferreira. That bout was stopped in the first round and Ngannou won by knockout. His mixed martial arts record stands at 18 wins and three losses.
