KSW boss pitches PFL co-promotion for Francis Ngannou vs. champ Phil De Fries

The rest of Francis Ngannou’s year will be focused on his anticipated boxing match with Tyson Fury. Once that’s complete, though, he is expected to return to MMA and debut in the PFL.

After concluding his UFC contract and splitting from the promotion earlier this year, Ngannou (17-3) signed with PFL for an expected debut in early 2024. There’s no clear-cut opponent for him, however, and KSW co-owner Martin Lewandowski has a pitch involving his current heavyweight champion, Phil De Fries.

“For me, Phil De Fries is one of the best heavyweights on the planet today. He is a different animal than when he was in the UFC last, and he would give anyone in the whole division trouble,” Lewandowski told MMA Junkie. “Outside the UFC, there are not many heavyweights who can offer a legit test to Ngannou. Of course, it needs to makes sense for both KSW and PFL. But I am in good contact with Ray Sefo and the PFL, and would be willing to do what I can to get it done.”

Multiple scenarios must play out before a KSW and PFL cross-promotion could materialize. First and foremost, De Fries (23-6) must successfully achieve his ninth consecutive title defense Saturday when he meets Szymon Bajor (24-9) in the main event of KSW 84, which takes place at Gdynia Arena in Poland and streams on pay-per-view via KSW’s official website.

Secondly, Ngannou, who takes on Fury in a 10-round bout on Oct. 28 in Saudi Arabia, must be keen to return to competition after securing what’s expected to be a massive payday from the Fury fight.

De Fries hasn’t lost since May 2017, and Lewandowski sees him as a more significant threat to Ngannou than anyone currently on PFL’s roster.

“I would be open to having a crossover fight with PFL for Phil to fight Francis Ngannou,” Lewandowski said. “If he passes this test, it will be his 12th straight victory, his 10th straight win in KSW, and his ninth title defense. He has already made history by being the longest reigning champion ever in KSW and the heavyweight with the most title defenses in any of the major MMA promotions.

“After Francis is finished with Tyson Fury, how about an actual MMA fight with the KSW heavyweight champion?”