By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Former UFC champion and Cameroonian-born Francis Ngannou is making a triumphant return to Mixed Martial Arts. The “Predator” will face off against Brazilian powerhouse Renan Ferreira for the PFL Super Fights Championship title on October 19th.
“The Professional Fighters League is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated comeback of superstar and undisputed Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “In a battle of giants, he will face the formidable 6-foot-8, 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion, Renan Ferreira, in the biggest world title fight of the year.”
Ngannou’s last MMA fight was in January 2022 when he successfully defended his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. Since then, he has stepped into the boxing ring against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
This bout marks Ngannou’s highly anticipated debut with the PFL, following his departure from the UFC in May 2023. The promotion has secured its biggest free agent signing to headline a major event. Ngannou’s decision to join the PFL was influenced by the organization’s financial offer and its support for his boxing ambitions, which the UFC had previously rejected.
“Renan is a formidable opponent, and I’ve been closely watching his career,” said Ngannou. “He’s a unique fighter with speed, athleticism, and impressive skills.”
On his part, Renan Ferreira boasts a professional record of 13-3, with four consecutive knockout victories. His most recent win was a stunning 21-second knockout of former champion Ryan Bader in February. This will be Ferreira’s biggest challenge yet, as he faces a global superstar, Ngannou.
The main event will be preceded by a world title fight between the legendary Cris Cyborg and two-time PFL champion Larissa Pacheco. Cyborg, considered the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all time, will face Pacheco’s ten-fight winning streak, which includes victories over Kayla Harrison and Julia Budd.
This epic showdown between Ngannou and Ferreira promises to be a highlight of the year, as two of the most devastating strikers in the world collide.