It’s been over two years since Francis Ngannou last stepped into the mixed martial arts arena. The fighting community is eagerly anticipating his return in 2024, as he is set to make his debut for PFL. Following his popular UFC run, the former heavyweight champion signed with PFL in early 2023.
The 37-year-old most recently had his hand raised in his sole UFC title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. Following that, he made a transition to boxing. However, after a loss to Anthony Joshua in his second professional boxing bout, Ngannou is now ready to return to the world of MMA. During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the ‘Predator’ also discussed his potential future opponent.
I think Renan Ferreira is the guy… very athletic, fast hands, knees, very athletic. I think it’s going to be him…
Francis Ngannou via The Joe Rogan Experience #16
Ngannou disclosed that discussions are underway for a potential event in Saudi Arabia. He also mentioned the possibility of including the infamous Cedric Doumbe on the fight card. PFL has been actively recruiting some of the world’s most popular fighters.
The signing of fighters such as Savannah Marshall, Claressa Shields, and Francis Ngannou has significantly boosted PFL’s reputation. Ngannou had initially planned to make his PFL debut earlier. However, he is now scheduled to return to the octagon before the end of 2024.
In Ngannou’s absence, PFL standout Renan Ferreira won the division’s seasonal tournament. The Brazilian also iced Bellator heavyweight titleholder Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds. Despite having missed some time in MMA, Ngannou believes he has a handful of good years left in him. Meanwhile, a former UFC welterweight champion has different opinions on Ngannou’s next potential opponent.
Kamaru Usman calls for Francis Ngannou vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight before making PFL debut
Kamaru Usman, a former UFC welterweight champion, has a good, friendly relationship with Francis Ngannou. Recently, Usman proposed an exciting idea: arranging a boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk and Francis Ngannou. He suggested that Usyk had beaten everybody else except the Predator.
Kamaru Usman wants to see Oleksandr Usyk vs. Francis Ngannou fight (via Instagram)In an episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman discussed Usyk’s win over Tyson Fury with former UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo. The former UFC welterweight champion even expressed his desire to see Usyk take on a guy like Ngannou.
I know it s crazy… but I would love to see him (Usyk) fight a guy like Francis Ngannou… Yes he schooled other guys, but Francis (Ngannou) is the biggest puncher out there… I want to see how Oleksandr Usky is able to break a guy like that down.
Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound podcast
Kamaru Usman calls for Oleksandr Usyk to fight Francis Ngannou next since Usyk has “beaten everybody else”:
“I know it’s crazy… but I would love to see [Usyk] fight a guy like Francis Ngannou…
Yes he schooled the other guys, but Francis is the biggest puncher out there. But… pic.twitter.com/uGu8Z55xHV
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 21, 2024
Unlike Ngannou, Usyk succeeded in defeating Fury once and Joshua twice. Although their match-up is unlikely, seeing how Usyk performs against Ngannou would still be interesting. Meanwhile, the 37-year-old French-Cameroonian is set for his long-awaited PFL debut in October.
