Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is gearing up for his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira, but he wants to clear up any misconceptions. During a recent news conference, Ngannou addressed UFC CEO Dana White’s statements about a potential fight with Jon Jones. White had claimed that Ngannou avoided the fight, but Ngannou disputed these claims, stating that it was actually Jones who was reluctant to step into the octagon with him.
Ngannou’s last fight in the UFC was a title defense against Ciryl Gane in January 2022. Following a knee injury that required surgery, talks of a superfight with Jon Jones began to circulate. However, negotiations fell through due to contract disputes, leading to Ngannou being stripped of his title in January 2023. Shortly after, he became a free agent and eventually signed with the PFL in May 2023.
Moving to Boxing
In October 2023, Ngannou made his boxing debut against Tyson Fury, the then-WBC heavyweight champion. Despite a controversial split decision loss, Ngannou impressed by knocking Fury down in the third round. His next boxing match was against Anthony Joshua in March 2024, which ended in a knockout loss. Ngannou still expresses interest in pursuing boxing bouts, including a potential rematch with Fury.
While Ngannou has embraced boxing, his focus remains on his upcoming MMA fight against Renan Ferreira on Oct. 19. He is determined to prove himself in the PFL and establish his dominance in the heavyweight division once again. With a renewed sense of purpose, Ngannou is ready to showcase his skills and silence any doubts about his abilities both in the octagon and the boxing ring.
Francis Ngannou’s journey through the world of combat sports has been filled with ups and downs, but he continues to persevere. Despite the setbacks and controversies, Ngannou remains focused on his goals and is determined to make a lasting impact in both MMA and boxing. As he prepares for his PFL debut, Ngannou is ready to turn the page on the past and write a new chapter in his storied career.