Heavyweight fighter Francis Ngannou has been a big deal in the MMA world, and he’s about to make an even splash in PFL.
The fighter is set to face Renan Ferreira in one of the biggest PFL debut fights in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “The Battle of the Giants will be the promotion’s biggest heavyweight fight of the year, and fans can not wait to see this bout, which will occur on October 19.
The fight will be Ngannou’s first MMA match after a three-fight loss in the boxing ring. His opponent, Ferreira, doesn’t plan on taking pity on the fighter and has warned him to go back to boxing because his return may end badly.
“Francis is going through a rough year, but [the task] is even tougher ahead of him.” Ferreira said at Thursday’s PFL press conference in Washington. “He knows he has a big problem ahead of him that will be very hard to solve.”
This comment caused an uproar. The Cameroon fighter has had a rough year, with multiple boxing losses and the loss of his son. Due to its implication, Ferreira’s comment about giving Ngannou a “tougher” one was described as distasteful.
Despite the former champion’s losses in the ring, they don’t diminish his rank as the most formidable MMA heavyweight fighter. However, his rival has a contrary opinion.
“It’s a long time away from the cages, and it’s completely different [from boxing],” Ferreira said. “Francis has done boxing matches, and it’s a whole different game. So I think he will feel the difference, but he’s a warrior. It’s going to be difficult for him on the feet and in the grappling area, because he knows I can either knock him out or submit him at any moment.
“Many things can happen, but I know Francis is a big champion and is taking this next fight seriously. If his head is not 100 percent on this fight, he has a big problem ahead of him.”
The match is indeed going to be a tough one, as both opponents have an impressive MMA record. Ferreira’s last fight was a 21-second beatdown, in which he defeated Ryan Bader to win the ticket to PFL’s showdown with Francis Ngannou.
This is the most anticipated fight of the year. Two great heavyweights with similar styles who move forward for the knockout,” Ferreira said. “So this is definitely going to be a great fight and will definitely define who’s the world’s best heavyweight.”
