The PFL’s changes for 2026 are starting to take shape, but it doesn’t look like Francis Ngannou will be part of them.
Last year, the league began moving away from its season-playoff structure, opting instead to start naming divisional champions.
Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes to claim the lightweight title. Costello van Steenis submitted Johnny Eblen for the middleweight belt. Corey Anderson captured light heavyweight gold, a feat he never achieved in the UFC. Vadim Nemkov handled Renan Ferreira to become heavyweight champion.
Several divisions remain without a titleholder. In the meantime, the PFL is continuing to move closer towards a UFC-style setup by introducing its first-ever fighter rankings.
Usman Nurmagomedov named PFL’s first pound-for-pound number one as Francis Ngannou left out
The PFL has been in a state of transition lately. After John Martin stepped in as CEO, Peter Murray left the company, and not long after, founder Donn Davis also departed, signalling the start of a new era for the organisation.
Davis had always backed the league’s unique season format. But since his departure, the promotion has continued to move away from that approach by introducing official rankings.
On Tuesday, it was revealed via press release that each division will now feature a top 10 and a men’s pound-for-pound list. Usman Nurmagomedov, unbeaten at 20-0 and holding the lightweight title, sits at number one.
The rankings are handled by Combat Registry, an independent group responsible for collecting votes and publishing results. A panel made up of MMA journalists and industry insiders will vote after each event, though their identities haven’t yet been disclosed.
“These rankings provide a clear, objective snapshot of where each PFL division stands,” said PFL CEO John Martin.
“By partnering with an independent data organization like Combat Registry, we’re giving fans and our athletes a transparent and credible rankings system that reflects performance inside the PFL cage.”
One notable omission from the announcement is Francis Ngannou. The heavyweight star is absent from both the heavyweight and pound-for-pound lists amid questions about his future with the promotion.
Ngannou still has one fight left on his contract. Martin has hinted that his next appearance will be something special for what may be Ngannou’s final bout under the PFL banner.
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