Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is gearing up for his return to MMA as he is set to make his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut in October. After dabbling in boxing and securing a couple of high-profile fights, Ngannou is ready to step back inside the cage and showcase his skills against the 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira on a PFL pay-per-view superfight card on Oct. 19.
At the age of 37, Ngannou has not competed in an MMA bout since his successful title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. His departure from the UFC came amidst a contract dispute where his demands for health insurance and personal sponsorships were not met, leading to UFC President Dana White stripping him of the heavyweight title in January 2023. Despite his controversial exit from UFC, Ngannou quickly found a new home in the PFL and even assumed the role of chairman and equity owner in PFL Africa.
During his time away from MMA, Ngannou ventured into the world of boxing, squaring off against top heavyweight boxers like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Despite putting up a valiant effort against Fury and even coming close to pulling off an upset, Ngannou faced defeat, particularly at the hands of Joshua. With his experience in boxing behind him, Ngannou is now refocused on his MMA career and eager to make his mark in the PFL.
His upcoming fight against Renan Ferreira promises to be a challenging one, as Ferreira has been on a winning streak, including a swift victory over Ryan Bader. Ferreira has expressed his determination to give Ngannou a run for his money and is training rigorously for the showdown. Ngannou, on the other hand, is looking forward to showcasing his skills and making a statement in his return to the MMA scene.
In addition to Ngannou’s highly anticipated match, the October card will feature a showdown between Cris “Cyborg” Justino and Larissa Pacheco. Fans can expect an action-packed evening with some of the top fighters in the sport going head-to-head in what promises to be an electrifying event.
Francis Ngannou’s return to MMA is a significant moment for the sport as fans eagerly await his comeback fight in the PFL. With his talent, tenacity, and determination, Ngannou is poised to make a strong impression in the league and solidify his position as one of the top heavyweight fighters in the world. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable night of fights and fierce competition.