Francis Ngannou got a first glimpse of the man who will share the cage with him in his first MMA outing since 2022. ‘Predator’ let it slide when HW Renan Ferreira won big earlier this year at the PFL vs. Bellator Champions Super Show in Riyadh. Now, Ferreira welcomes him to his PFL debut soon. The first press conference took place Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.
PFL ‘Battle of the Giants’ presser happened inside The Anthem in Washington D.C. After their Q&A session, the two engaged in their first pre-fight staredown. It was fierce, as Ngannou grabbed Ferreira’s arms, and the Brazilian pounded the former UFC champion’s chest. Right before, while he respected him, Renan Ferreira had some words of choice for the rival.
For sure, this fight seals the deal on who’s the best heavyweight in the world…These are two guys in their prime, heavy hitters, very similar style…Francis has been going through a tough year in his life, but the toughest challenge in his life and in his year is gonna be me. I’m gonna be the biggest problem of his year…
Renan Ferreira at the PFL ‘Battle of the Giants’: Ngannou vs. Ferreira Kickoff conference interviews
Francis Ngannou will throw down against him at the PFL PPV card on October 19 at The Mayadeen in UAE. The event was presented by PFL “Super Fight Athlete” Jake Paul. ‘The Problem Child’ took his first promotional host duties quite diligently while mixing it up with zest. He even quipped and introduced himself as Ariel Helwani. However, things gravitated to a heavy undertone soon.
🗣️ Renan Ferreira: “Francis [Ngannou] has been going through a tough year in his life, but the toughest challenge in his life and in his year is gonna be me. I’m gonna be the biggest problem of his year.” 😬
🎥 @PFLMMA #PFL #MMA pic.twitter.com/xd72mCdYTG
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 22, 2024
Ngannou tragically lost his 15-month-old son, Kobe, in April. ‘The Predator’ very recently said he contemplated retiring altogether after it. 2024 had been problematic for the ex-UFC champion. Renan Ferreira is empathetic but in a crass way. ‘Problema’ resolves to be his biggest problem in MMA so far. Subsequently, Ngannou has plans ahead.
Francis Ngannou reveals the biggest driver to win against Renan Ferreira
Francis Ngannou and his battle with Renan Ferreira almost didn’t happen. The hulking 6-foot-8 Ferreira (13-3 MMA, 7-1 PFL) recently won the seasonal HW championship against Denis Goltsov. Additionally, he laced up another win with a 21-second KO of Ryan Bader in February at the crossover PFL vs. Bellator: Champions event. Stylistically, he is quite the challenge, and Ngannou welcomes it,
Francis Ngannou and son Kobe (Pinterest/es.agfight.com)However, Ngannou had more than half a mind never to make it to the event. His son Kobe’s passing hit him hard and will always persist from now on. Close friends Kamaru Usman and Samuel Eto’o had accompanied him back to Cameroon for Kobe’s funeral. While very reluctantly, he did join camp later. Now, Ngannou says whatever he does, whoever he fights, will be for Kobe.
My goal right now is not just about being back in MMA, it’s about being back in activity in combat sports in general..I think I always had a purpose, I always look forward for my reason why…I haven’t questioned if I have to continue or if I just hang up the gloves then I realized that should be a purpose for me. I didn’t have a chance to fight for my son man, so I think this is it.
Fracis Ngannou at the PFL ‘Battle of the Giants’: Ngannou vs. Ferreira Kickoff conference interviews; H/T: Bloodyelbow.com
‘The Predator’ mentioned thinking of hanging up the gloves but will go on for Kobe’s sake. Ngannou will chair the PFL Africa venture in conjunction with PFL MENA (Middle East and North Africa). Given the cultural implications and the advancement he can bring as a member of the Global Athlete Advisory Board, the African fighter will carry on.
