Francis Ngannou made a triumphant return to MMA, defeating Renan Ferreira with a first-round TKO at PFL: Battle of the Giants, and dedicated his emotional victory to his late son Kobe.
Francis Ngannou is back in a big way. The former UFC heavyweight champion returned to MMA action for the first time in over two years. It took him less than four minutes to dispatch Renan Ferreira at PFL: Battle of the Giants.
Ngannou, known for his knockout power, surprised everyone with a takedown right off the bat. He kept Ferreira grounded, unleashing brutal ground-and-pound. Ferreira, unable to defend himself, succumbed under Ngannou’s relentless assault.
Referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in at 3:32 of the first round to stop the fight. Ngannou secured his first victory under the PFL banner. A significant win, both professionally and personally.
Afterward, Ngannou was visibly emotional. He dedicated his performance to his late son Kobe, who passed away earlier this year at just 15 months old. “I can’t think about anything but my son Kobe,” Ngannou shared tearfully.
The victory seemed fueled by Ngannou’s emotional turmoil. He showcased his full arsenal against Ferreira on Saturday night. The fight began with heavy strikes leading to a takedown as Ngannou planted Ferreira on the canvas.
Ferreira attempted a triangle choke from below, but Ngannou resisted and broke free. What followed was a barrage of punches from the terrifying heavyweight. With Ferreira offering little resistance, it was only a matter of time before the referee intervened.
Ferreira appeared dazed and fell flat on his stomach as Ngannou continued his onslaught until the fight was halted. Afterward, Ngannou remained on the canvas, embracing his coaches as emotions washed over him.
This win marks Ngannou’s debut victory in the PFL after leaving the UFC in 2023. Despite speculation about his future in MMA or boxing, Ngannou focused solely on honoring his son’s memory with this win.
“I knew I didn’t miss a step,” Ngannou said about his comeback. “I wasn’t worried; everything was still there.” His next move in combat sports remains uncertain, hinging on how he feels moving forward.
“I always thought I had more to give,” he reflected. Hopefully, that belief continues to guide him in whatever comes next.