Renan Ferreira warns Francis Ngannou that his return to MMA, after a challenging year and time away from the sport, will be tough if he’s not fully focused, as they prepare to face off in a highly anticipated fight on Oct. 19 in Saudi Arabia.
Renan Ferreira has issued a stern warning to Francis Ngannou. He believes that if Ngannou isn’t fully committed and focused on MMA, his return could end disastrously.
Ngannou made headlines with his boxing debut against Tyson Fury in late 2023. Despite losing in a split decision to “The Gypsy King,” he impressed many. However, this past March, he suffered a second-round knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua.
Earlier this year, Ferreira demolished Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds. This victory in a champion vs. champion clash between PFL and Bellator stars earned him the right to welcome Ngannou to PFL. Their showdown is set for Oct. 19 in Saudi Arabia.
“Francis is having a tough year, but it’s only going to get tougher,” Ferreira remarked at Thursday’s PFL press conference in Washington. “He knows he’s facing a big problem that won’t be easy to solve.”
Ferreira has been tracking Ngannou’s career for years. “I’ve been preparing for someone like him my whole life,” he said. The Brazilian enters the cage on a four-fight knockout streak. Meanwhile, Ngannou hasn’t fought in MMA since January 2022 when he defended his UFC title against Ciryl Gane.
“It’s been a long time away from the cages, and it’s completely different from boxing,” Ferreira pointed out. “Francis has done boxing matches, but MMA is a whole different game. He’ll feel the difference.”
Ferreira continued, “It’ll be tough for him both on the feet and in grappling. I can knock him out or submit him at any moment.” He acknowledged Ngannou’s warrior spirit but stressed the challenge ahead.
“If Francis isn’t 100 percent focused on this fight, he’s got a big problem,” Ferreira emphasized. He never doubted he’d be the one to welcome Ngannou to PFL and used the extra time to sharpen his skills and spend time with family.
With Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall holding heavyweight belts in the UFC and Ferreira reigning as PFL’s division king, Ferreira believes their clash will determine the world’s top heavyweight. “This is the most anticipated fight of the year,” he said.
“Two great heavyweights with similar styles moving forward for the knockout,” Ferreira added. “This fight will definitely define who’s the best heavyweight in the world.”