Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is gearing up for his return to the MMA scene as he prepares to make his Professional Fighters League debut in October. After a brief stint with high-profile boxing matches, Ngannou is ready to step back inside the cage and showcase his skills once again. Scheduled to fight 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira on a PFL pay-per-view superfight card on October 19, Ngannou is determined to make a statement in his return.
Ngannou, at 37 years old, last fought in an MMA bout when he defended the UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. However, a contract dispute led to his departure from the promotion, as his demands for health insurance and personal sponsorships were not met. This ultimately resulted in UFC president Dana White stripping Ngannou of his belt in January 2023. Despite the turmoil, Ngannou signed with PFL in May of the same year, becoming the chairman and equity owner in PFL Africa.
During his time away from MMA, Ngannou ventured into the world of boxing, facing off against the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. His performance against Fury, where he nearly pulled off an upset, garnered significant attention in the heavyweight division. However, his bout with Joshua ended in a quick defeat after being floored multiple times in the early rounds. Now, as he prepares to return to MMA, Ngannou is focused on proving his worth once again.
Renan Ferreira, Ngannou’s upcoming opponent, has been on a winning streak with eight fights since Ngannou’s last MMA bout. Notable among his victories is his 21-second triumph over longtime Bellator champion Ryan Bader in February. Ferreira is confident in his abilities and sees the fight against Ngannou as the biggest challenge of his career. He is training rigorously to bring Ngannou a tough fight and aims to come out victorious.
As Ngannou and Ferreira gear up to face each other in the upcoming PFL superfight card in October, the MMA world is buzzing with anticipation. The clash of these two formidable heavyweights promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both fighters eager to prove their dominance in the octagon. Fans can expect a fierce battle between Ngannou, the former UFC champion seeking redemption, and Ferreira, the rising star looking to make a statement.
Francis Ngannou’s return to MMA signifies a new chapter in his career, filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. His upcoming bout against Renan Ferreira will test his skills and determination, while providing fans with an exciting matchup to look forward to. As Ngannou embarks on this next phase of his professional journey, the MMA world eagerly awaits his return to the cage.
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