TLDR
- PFL released its first official fighter rankings system across multiple weight classes
- Francis Ngannou was excluded from the rankings despite being the promotion’s biggest name
- PFL explained Ngannou was left out due to inactivity requirements for ranked fighters
- Undefeated lightweight champion leads the pound-for-pound rankings at 20-0
- The new rankings system covers all PFL weight divisions and includes a P4P list
Sources: MMA Fighting | Bloody Elbow | Yardbarker
The Professional Fighters League unveiled its first official fighter rankings system this week, but the promotion’s biggest star is nowhere to be found on the list. Francis Ngannou, who signed with PFL in 2023 after leaving the UFC, was excluded from the new rankings despite his massive name recognition.
PFL officials addressed the former UFC heavyweight champion’s absence directly. The promotion explained that Ngannou was left out because he has not competed recently enough to qualify for the rankings.
The organization established activity requirements for fighters to be included in its official rankings. Competitors must have fought within a certain timeframe to maintain their position on the list.
Ngannou last competed in mixed martial arts in January 2022 when he defended his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. Since joining PFL, he has focused on boxing matches rather than MMA competition.
New Rankings System Structure
The PFL rankings cover all weight classes in the promotion. Each division now has an official list of top contenders based on recent performances and results.
An undefeated lightweight fighter with a perfect 20-0 record sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. The fighter has dominated the lightweight division and earned the top spot in PFL’s inaugural P4P list.
PFL dropped their new Independent Fighter Rankings today starting with Usman Nurmagomedov as Mens P4P #1
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— Jordain đ´ó §ó ˘ó łó Łó ´ó ż (@McDainMMA) January 27, 2026
The rankings will be updated regularly based on fight results and fighter activity. PFL plans to use the system to help determine title shots and high-profile matchups across all divisions.
Fighters who remain inactive for extended periods will be removed from the rankings. This policy directly affects Ngannou’s status within the promotion.
Ngannou’s PFL Career Status
Ngannou joined PFL in May 2023 in a groundbreaking deal that allowed him to pursue both MMA and boxing. The contract gave him more flexibility than his previous UFC agreement.
Since signing with PFL, Ngannou has competed in two high-profile boxing matches. He fought Tyson Fury in October 2023 and Anthony Joshua in March 2024.
Both boxing matches resulted in losses for Ngannou, though his performance against Fury earned widespread praise. He has not announced plans for his next MMA fight with PFL.
The promotion has stated Ngannou remains under contract and could return to MMA competition. However, no fight has been scheduled or announced for the former UFC champion.
PFL launched in 2018 as a season-based league format with tournaments determining champions. The promotion has since expanded to include super fights and championship bouts outside the tournament structure.
The new rankings system represents PFL’s effort to establish clearer hierarchies across weight classes. Officials say the rankings will help fans and fighters understand who deserves title opportunities.
Ngannou would need to schedule and compete in an MMA fight to become eligible for the rankings. The promotion has not specified exactly how long fighters can be inactive before removal from the lists.
