This weekend, MMA fans around the globe will witness a thrilling matchup as Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira takes center stage in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). For Ngannou, this fight represents his long-awaited return to the mixed martial arts (MMA) cage after a two-year hiatus. The event promises explosive action and significant implications for the PFL heavyweight title.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting Francis Ngannou next fight, and it finally arrives this weekend. The 38-year-old powerhouse last fought in January 2022 when he defended his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. Since then, much has changed for Ngannou, and this upcoming bout marks his official debut with the PFL.
In this post, we’ll break down all the essential details of the Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira bout, including the date, time, how to watch, and the stakes surrounding the fight. Let’s dive in.
When and Where Is the Fight?
The Francis Ngannou next fight is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024. The showdown will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a location that has become a hotbed for major combat sports events. This fight will headline the PFL Super Fights event, making it the focal point of a night stacked with action.
The early fight card will kick off at 6:30 pm BST (10:30 am PT, 12:30 pm CT, 1:30 pm ET). Following that, the main card will begin at 9:00 pm BST (1:00 pm PT, 3:00 pm CT, 4:00 pm ET). Fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting Ngannou’s return to the cage and the potential fireworks in this heavyweight title clash.
The Journey of Francis Ngannou
For many, Francis Ngannou next fight is highly anticipated. The 38-year-old fighter made his name in the UFC, becoming one of the most feared heavyweights in history. His combination of raw power, speed, and knockout ability made him a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.
In his last MMA fight in January 2022, Ngannou defended his UFC heavyweight title by outpointing Ciryl Gane in a closely contested match. However, a year later, Ngannou left the UFC in pursuit of new challenges. His next move? A venture into professional boxing.
Ngannou made his professional boxing debut in October 2023 in a stunning clash with Tyson Fury. In a surprising moment, Ngannou dropped Fury, shocking the boxing world. While Fury ultimately won the fight through a controversial decision, Ngannou proved his skills extend beyond MMA. His next boxing outing came in March 2024, where he faced Anthony Joshua. This time, however, Joshua dominated, knocking Ngannou out in the second round.
With his boxing adventure behind him, Ngannou shifted his focus back to MMA, signing a deal with the PFL. His debut in the organization has been long anticipated, and this weekend, fans will finally get to see “The Predator” back in action.
What to Expect from Renan Ferreira
Renan Ferreira, Ngannou’s opponent, is no slouch either. Standing at 6’8” and weighing 260 pounds, Ferreira is an imposing figure in the heavyweight division. The Brazilian fighter has made waves in the PFL with his striking prowess and athleticism, securing several impressive finishes during his tenure with the promotion.
Ferreira, 34, will be looking to spoil Ngannou’s PFL debut and capture the heavyweight title. He comes into this fight as the underdog, but his size and skill set make him a legitimate threat to Ngannou. A victory over the former UFC champion would cement Ferreira as a top contender in the PFL and solidify his status as one of the best heavyweights in the sport.
How to Watch the Fight
The Francis Ngannou next fight will be available to watch on multiple platforms. In the US, the event will air live on ESPN+, and globally, fans can catch the action on DAZN pay-per-view. The pay-per-view cost is set at £19.99, while DAZN subscriptions start at £14.99 per month.
For viewers traveling or watching from abroad, using a VPN may be necessary to access the broadcast. However, ensure you comply with local regulations and the terms of your service provider when using such services.
Key Moments in the Lead-up to the Fight
Ngannou’s decision to sign with the PFL was a turning point in his career. After leaving the UFC, many speculated on his next move. With lucrative offers on the table from both boxing and MMA promotions, Ngannou chose the PFL because of its unique structure, fighter-first ethos, and promise of a heavyweight title shot.
Ferreira, on the other hand, has quietly worked his way up the PFL ranks. With a solid background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai, Ferreira presents a well-rounded challenge for Ngannou. His height, reach, and striking ability make him a dangerous opponent for any heavyweight.
The odds currently favor Ngannou, with Betway listing him at 4/11, while Ferreira sits at 21/10. While Ngannou is the heavy favorite, Ferreira has the tools to pull off an upset.
Full Fight Card
In addition to the heavyweight title clash, the PFL Super Fights event will feature a host of exciting matchups:
- Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira (heavyweight title)
- Cris Cyborg vs Larissa Pacheco (women’s featherweight title)
- Johnny Eblen vs Fabian Edwards (Bellator middleweight title)
- Husein Kadimagomaev vs Zafar Mohsen (featherweight)
- AJ McKee vs Paul Hughes (lightweight)
- Raufeon Stots vs Marcos Breno (bantamweight)
- Makkasharip Zaynukov vs Dedrek Sanders (lightweight)
- Ibragim Ibragimov vs Nacho Campos (featherweight)
- Mostafa Rashed Nada vs Ahmed Sami (middleweight)
- Tariq Ismail vs Taha Bendaoud (featherweight)
This star-studded lineup promises to make the night a memorable one for combat sports fans. From the seasoned veterans like Cris Cyborg and Johnny Eblen to rising stars like AJ McKee, there’s something for everyone on this card.
What’s at Stake?
For Ngannou, this fight represents an opportunity to re-establish himself as a dominant force in MMA. After his detour into boxing, a strong showing against Ferreira would remind fans and fighters alike of his unmatched abilities in the cage. Securing the PFL heavyweight title would also add another accolade to Ngannou’s already illustrious career.
For Ferreira, this fight is a chance to prove that he belongs among the elite heavyweights in the world. A win over Ngannou would be the biggest of his career and could potentially open doors to bigger opportunities in the PFL and beyond.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
As we head into fight night, the excitement is palpable. Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira is shaping up to be a must-watch event, with both fighters bringing their own unique strengths to the cage. Ngannou’s power and experience make him the favorite, but Ferreira’s size and versatility ensure that he cannot be overlooked.
For Ngannou, a win would cap off a remarkable journey, from UFC champion to professional boxer, and now back to MMA, where he hopes to add another title to his name. For Ferreira, victory would be a career-defining moment, propelling him to new heights in the heavyweight division.
Regardless of the outcome, this fight promises to deliver excitement, drama, and possibly some shocking moments. Make sure to tune in on Saturday for what could be one of the biggest fights of the year.
In summary, the Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira bout is more than just a title fight. It’s a statement. Ngannou wants to prove that he’s still the most dangerous man in the heavyweight division, while Ferreira aims to make his mark on the world stage. With the PFL heavyweight title on the line, expect nothing short of a war.