Francis Ngannou Set to Make MMA Comeback in October with Debut Fight Against Renan Ferreira in Saudi Arabia
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
3 minutes read. Updated 10:38PM GMT Wed, 24July, 2024
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is gearing up for a highly anticipated return to MMA. After dedicating the past two years to his boxing career, Ngannou is now targeting October for his comeback fight in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou, 37, left the UFC and joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) last year. He has announced plans to make his PFL debut against Brazilian fighter Renan Ferreira. “It’s not finalized yet, but they were talking about 19 October,” Ngannou revealed on the JRE MMA Show.
Ngannou’s boxing pursuits saw him face off against former world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Unfortunately, both bouts ended in defeat, with Joshua delivering a knockout blow to Ngannou in just two rounds back in March.
Renan Ferreira, Ngannou’s prospective opponent, boasts an impressive record. Ferreira clinched the PFL’s 2023 heavyweight tournament title and has accumulated 13 wins, three losses, and three no-contests. His latest victory was a 21-second knockout of Bellator’s heavyweight champion, Ryan Bader, in February.
Ngannou has long been vocal about Ferreira’s potential. “I’ve been telling people about this guy for almost two years,” Ngannou stated. “I said, ‘watch this guy.’ Very athletic. Fast hands, one-two, knees – very athletic. So I think it’s going to be him.”
Adding to his responsibilities, he has been appointed to oversee PFL Africa, with a series launch planned for 2025. This new role signifies his commitment to fostering MMA talent across the African continent.
Ngannou’s return to the spotlight comes after a personal tragedy. In April, his 15-month-old son passed away in Dubai due to a mild inflammation of the brain. “At least whenever I die, I’m going to see my kid. I’m not afraid of it. I still want to live, but you get to that point,” Ngannou shared, reflecting on his loss.
As fans around the world eagerly await his return to the octagon, his resilience and determination continue to inspire. His upcoming bout in Saudi Arabia promises to be a significant event in the MMA calendar.
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