Francis Ngannou says his PFL debut can come as early as this October.
Everybody’s been wondering when we were going to see the ex-UFC Heavyweight Champion back in MMA action after what was a memorable two-part run in the boxing ring. Following his UFC release in 2023, Ngannou went on to score back-to-back boxing paydays against the best in the world, fighting both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Ngannou nearly upset Fury, knocking him down early, but ultimately losing by split decision. “The Predator” didn’t have any more luck against Joshua – suffering the first KO loss of his fighting career.
Ngannou: “I Will Be Fighting By The End Of The Year…”
Before he crossed over into the world of boxing, the 37 year-old Ngannou had signed a MMA contract with the Professional Fighters League, a promotion he has yet to fight in since coming onboard in May 2023 as not just a fighter but also a chairman for PFL Africa.
“It’s working pretty good we have a good relationship,” Ngannou said of his PFL status on The Joe Rogan Experience. “I have some fight again, I will be fighting by the end of the year. I think Renan Ferreira is the [opponent]. I’ve been telling people about this guy for, what, almost 2 years. Fast hand, 1-2’s, knees… very athletic. I think it’s gonna be him.”
Who Is Renan Ferreira?
Brazil’s Renan “Problema” Ferreira has been the front-runner opponent for Ngannou ever since he knocked out Bellator Champion Ryan Bader in 21 seconds back in February. Ferreira won last year’s PFL Heavyweight Championship after picking up three straight finishes in a span of five months.
If Ferreira is next in line for Ngannou, the 6’8 fighter will be the second-tallest fighter that Ngannou has faced off against, with boxing rival Tyson Fury standing just an inch taller.
“That’s what the PFL is working on,” Ngannou said of a potential fight with Ferreira. “They’re working on October. It’s not finalized yet, but there was talking about October 19.”
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Where And When?
While not formerly announced by the PFL, the promotion is rumored to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Oct. 19. It’s worth noting that five-time title challenger Yoel Romero also said that was the date he was hearing for his potential title attempt against Bellator Champion Corey Anderson (via Overdogs Espanol).
“This Riyadh one gonna be a big card. If we make it happen, they gonna stack that card. It’s not finalized yet but I think Cedric Doumbe will be on that card,” Ngannou said, when asked who will likely will join him on Oct. 19.
Boxing losses aside, Ngannou is currently riding a six-fight win streak in MMA, having defeated the likes of interim champ Ciryl Gane and the long-reigning Stipe Miocic to win the UFC heavyweight title in 2021.
Both Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira have a total of 11 knockouts on their resume, making their potential PFL fight all the more fun.
