After the tragic loss of his son, Francis Ngannou found renewed purpose and motivation to continue fighting, making his promotional debut in the PFL’s Battle of the Giants with the intention of honoring his son’s memory.
Francis Ngannou was on the brink of leaving the fight game. The devastating loss of his 15-month-old son, Kobe, had him questioning everything. But he found a silver lining, a deeper meaning in the tragedy.
This Saturday, Ngannou steps into the PFL cage for his promotional debut. He’s up against Renan Ferreira, a knockout artist with a reputation. “The Predator” is coming off a tough time—two boxing matches and an unimaginable personal loss.
Ngannou confided to MMA Fighting, “[My purpose is] to make this fight meaningful.” This bout almost didn’t happen. He wasn’t even sure he’d fight again this year—or ever. But he’s determined to find purpose in pain.
He reflected, “Instead of using it as an excuse to give up, maybe use it as a purpose to continue.” Ngannou doesn’t want the weight of his decision to rest on his son’s memory. That’s his burden to bear.
It’s been nearly three years since Ngannou last fought in an MMA cage. His last appearance saw him defend the UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Since then, he’s ventured into boxing, facing giants like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Now, he’s back in the MMA spotlight.
With a heavy heart but renewed drive, Ngannou aims to honor Kobe in Saudi Arabia. No matter what happens in the cage, he’s fighting for something greater than himself.
Ngannou poignantly stated, “The only thing I can do is make a purpose of his existence, or of this loss.” He wants Kobe’s name remembered—not just for the sorrow but for the strength it’s inspired in him.