Francis Ngannou is set to make his much-anticipated return to MMA after more than two years away, as he steps into the PFL’s SmartCage. Ngannou, who last fought in January 2022, will face Renan Ferreira, the 2023 PFL heavyweight tournament champion.
Ngannou (17-3) gained prominence by defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 to win the UFC heavyweight title, a victory that avenged a prior loss to Miocic at UFC 220. Despite battling knee injuries, Ngannou defended his title successfully against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. However, after a series of contract disputes, he left the UFC in 2023 as the reigning heavyweight champion.
In a strategic move, Ngannou joined the PFL with the aim of enhancing the Super Fight PPV division. Before diving into MMA with PFL, Ngannou took on boxing, a clause in his contract allowed him to do so. He faced Tyson Fury, managing to knock him down but ultimately lost, and more recently, he was knocked out by Anthony Joshua. Ngannou has also faced personal struggles, including the recent loss of his child, but he is determined to return to MMA by the end of this year.
Ngannou has high praise for his upcoming opponent, Ferreira. “Renan is a great fighter; I have been watching him for years,” Ngannou said. “I have been studying him for years. In fact, I’ve been telling people to watch this guy. He’s quite unique, he’s athletic, fast, his size doesn’t impress me as much as his skill.”
Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC) has been a standout in the PFL since turning professional in 2013. Known for his knockout power, he has not been defeated in PFL since 2022. Ferreira won the 2023 heavyweight tournament by knocking out Denis Goltsov and chose to wait for Ngannou rather than compete in the 2024 tournament, showcasing his confidence and strategic planning.
The PFL Super Fight co-main event will feature Cris Cyborg against Larissa Pacheco. Cyborg (27-2, 1 NC), a former champion in UFC, Strikeforce, and Invicta FC, and the current Bellator featherweight champion, is on a seven-fight win streak. She has been dominant across multiple fighting disciplines, including Jiu-Jitsu and boxing.
Pacheco (23-4) made headlines by defeating Kayla Harrison in the 2022 PFL lightweight tournament and has continued her impressive run with four consecutive wins, culminating in her winning the 2023 PFL featherweight tournament in November.
As Ngannou prepares for his PFL debut, fans and analysts are eagerly awaiting details about the fight card, odds, rumors, and the latest news surrounding the event.
PFL ‘Battle of the Giants’ tune-in info
- Date: Saturday, October 19
- Location: TBA
- Start time: TBA
- How to watch: ESPN+ | DAZN
- PPV Price: TBD
PFL ‘Battle of the Giants’ card and odds
- Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira; Heavyweights
- Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco; Featherweights
