Francis Ngannou remains a free agent after parting ways with the PFL in March 2026 and competing once under Most Valuable Promotions, where he knocked out Philipe Lins in May. The 39-year-old heavyweight has not fought in the UFC since January 2022 and maintains a longstanding public rift with UFC leadership over contract terms. Recent developments show ongoing fighter interest from Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones callouts, yet no confirmed negotiations or roster return have materialized amid Ngannou’s focus on boxing paydays and alternative promotions. His age, limited recent MMA activity, and the UFC’s established heavyweight landscape with new titleholders contribute to trader consensus favoring no return by year-end, as a reunion would require resolving entrenched disputes on short notice.