- Francis Ngannou knocked Renan Ferreira out in the first round
- “The Predator” earned a victory in his PFL debut
Francis Ngannou needed less than five minutes to finish Renan Ferreira in his PFL debut.
A quick comeback
Ngannou did not fail to live up to the hype of his much-awaited MMA return at PFL Super Fights. Both colossal heavyweight fighters looked intimidating inside the cage but it was “The Predator” who proved that he was more than just a fearsome figure.
Few minutes into the opening round, Ngannou and Ferreria were mostly gauging each other until the former UFC heavyweight champion shot for a takedown. On the ground, Ferreira attempted a few submission moves but Ngannou stopped it and swiftly managed to gain advantage. He then hurt “Problema” with some vicious ground and pound.
After a couple more strikes, referee Dan Miragliotta noticed the helpless Ferreira was already out and decided to step in to stop the fight with 1:28 remaining in the first round. Ngannou was declared the winner via knockout.
Check out the highlights below:
Big Problem stepping into the SmartCage NOW!
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 19, 2024
Believe it. FRANCIS NGANNOU'S MMA RETURN! LETS GOOOOOOO!
[ #PFLSuperFights | #BraceForImpact | BUY NOW | https://t.co/kWyJTEGRvW | https://t.co/2BtPH3wso4 ] pic.twitter.com/SM9sb1aP75
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 19, 2024
Ngannou secures a takedown EARLY in the 1st ROund
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 19, 2024
Ferreira throws up a sub attempt!
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 19, 2024
FIRST. ROUND. FINISH!
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 19, 2024
The King without a Crown once again GETS GOLD!#PFLSuperFights | #BraceForImpact pic.twitter.com/Nu2TNHGCke
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 19, 2024
FRANCIS! FRANCIS! FRANCIS!
ALL HEAVYWEIGHTS ARE ON NOTICE!#PFLSuperFights | #BraceForImpact pic.twitter.com/llttkZGxpr— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 19, 2024
𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑩𝑨𝑫𝑫𝑬𝑺𝑻 𝑴𝑨𝑵 𝑨𝑳𝑰𝑽𝑬@francis_ngannou returns with a BANG! First-ever PFL Super Fights Heavyweight World Champion!#PFLSuperFights #BraceForImpact pic.twitter.com/85emOZMqY4
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 19, 2024
An emotional win for Francis
In his post-fight interview, Ngannou did not shy away from voicing his true emotions, mentioning his deceased son Kobe, whom he dedicated his performance and victory to. Ngannou didn’t specify what he wants next but he pointed out that it would lie on how he feels about himself both mentally and emotionally.
“I think my next move in combat sports will depend on me, how I feel, how I deal with my life right now,” Ngannou said.
The win over Ferreira saw Ngannou improving his impressive winning streak to seven in a row. He last fought in MMA at UFC 270 where he earned a decision win over Ciryl Gane.
