Francis Ngannou marked his remarkable comeback to mixed martial arts with a stunning first-round knockout victory over Renan Ferreira at the recent Professional Fighters League (PFL) event, “Battle Of The Giants,” held in Riyadh.
After venturing into the boxing arena with high-profile matches against heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, the 38-year-old Cameroonian returned to the octagon, showcasing his fighting prowess. Despite being out of MMA competition since January 2022, Ngannou quickly took control of the fight, transitioning to the mat and delivering a series of powerful punches that ended Ferreira’s night with just 88 seconds remaining in the first round.
In an emotional moment, Ngannou dedicated this significant win to the memory of his 15-month-old son, Kobe, who tragically passed away earlier this year. “I only did this fight because of him,” Ngannou expressed tearfully. “I wanted to fight for him… I hope they can remember his name, because without Kobe, we wouldn’t be here tonight.”
This unique PFL event broke from the traditional format, hosting a series of “super fights” with championship belts on the line, as Ngannou made his awaited return to the sport that catapulted him to fame.
Ngannou’s journey from a challenging childhood in Cameroon to becoming a UFC heavyweight champion in March 2021 has made him a highly respected figure in the world of combat sports, subsequently becoming one of the most sought-after free agents after his UFC contract expired.
In the night’s co-main event, Brazilian fighters Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco clashed for the PFL Super Fights women’s featherweight title. Cyborg displayed her vast experience, winning the intense five-round contest by unanimous decision.
The PFL continues to make waves in the mixed martial arts world, especially with such pivotal matchups featuring top fighters like Ngannou.
