Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is set to make his long-awaited return to mixed martial arts on Saturday, headlining the “Battle of the Giants” at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. The 38-year-old Cameroonian will face Renan Ferreira for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) heavyweight title, marking his first MMA bout in nearly 33 months.
Ngannou, known for his imposing fighting style and calm demeanor, is eager to step back into the cage after a significant hiatus. In May of last year, the announcement of his transition to the PFL sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. However, Ngannou remains focused on the task at hand, emphasizing that he doesn’t need to showcase his excitement through theatrics.
“I don’t need to be excited or jumping around to express how I fight and talk about my opponents,” Ngannou stated during a recent tour of the FIFA World Cup Exhibition Centre in Riyadh. “I don’t waste my energy when it’s not needed. You can feel the energy of the fight coming around. Since I landed in Saudi Arabia last Thursday, you get that feeling of being in the element of the fight.”
As part of his deal with the PFL, Ngannou not only secured his position as a fighter but also took on the role of chairman of PFL Africa and joined the Global Advisory Board. This arrangement allowed him to explore opportunities beyond MMA, including his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury in Riyadh last October. That match nearly resulted in a stunning upset, with Ngannou sending the WBC champion to the canvas in the fourth round, ultimately losing by split decision.
In March, Ngannou returned to the ring for another boxing bout, this time against former unified world champion Anthony Joshua, but Joshua knocked him out in the second round. Now, he is ready to refocus on MMA, where he boasts an impressive professional record of 17 wins and three losses.
“There have been some ups and downs during the preparations, as always, but I think at this point, Ngannou explained, “It’s not about preparation anymore; it’s about setting your mind for the night.” “It’s about feeling the energy and trying to be present in that moment.”
While much of the spotlight has shone on Ngannou, fans should not underestimate Ferreira, a formidable opponent. The Brazilian fighter has won seven of his last eight bouts, including a recent 21-second knockout of Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader.
“Renan is a very tough opponent. He’s very challenging, and I think a lot of people are underestimating him,” Ngannou cautioned. “He’s very athletic and a black belt in jiu-jitsu. I believe he’s one of the best strikers in the heavyweight division globally.”
At 6 feet 8 inches tall, Ferreira possesses a height and reach advantage over Ngannou, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches. The 34-year-old Ferreira’s agility and skill make him a significant challenge for the seasoned fighter.
“He represents a huge challenge,” Ngannou acknowledged. “He’s very big, very skilled, and very athletic. I’m entering this fight looking at it as more like an underdog.”
With fight night just around the corner, Ngannou is ready to showcase his skills and determination in the octagon, eager to reclaim his status as one of the premier fighters in the sport.
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