The PFL has finally announced the launch of its Super Fight series, and the return of heavyweight Francis Ngannou.
“The Predator” signed with the Professional Fighters last year, but has competed twice in boxing, against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, with a return date for MMA up in the air until recently. However, on Wednesday, league officials announced via press release that Ngannou (17-3) would face off with 2023 PFL heavyweight champ Renan Ferreira (13-3, 3NC) at “Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” on October 19, 2024.
Serving as co-headliner will be Bellator MMA women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg (27-2, 1NC), who will take on PFL two-division champ (2022 & 2023, lightweight and featherweight) Larissa Pacheco (23-4) – the first and only woman to defeat Kayla Harrison.
The event will air live on PPV in the U.S. via ESPN+, and DAZN elsewhere. Special “Super Fighters” championship belts will be on the line in both the main and co-main event.
“The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce the highly anticipated return of superstar, undisputed Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou, to MMA in The Battle of the Giants against the most-feared Heavyweight, 6-foot-8 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira in the biggest world title fight of the year,” PFL CEO Peter Murray said via Wednesday’s press release. “On October 19 live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and DAZN worldwide, MMA fans around the world will witness a true battle of the greatest fighters on the planet competing for the PFL Super Fights Championship Belts.”
Ngannou last competed in MMA in January of 2022, when he defeated Ciryl Gane in a title unification bout under the UFC banner. He then found himself embroiled in a contract dispute, exiting the promotion a year later after being unable to come to terms on a new deal. He signed with the PFL later that year.
Cyborg, like Ngannou, has dabbled in boxing of late, last defending her Bellator title against Cat Zingano in October 2023. She has been vocal about pushing for a new date, which she finally has. Neither her opponent, Pacheco, nor Ngannou’s in Ferreira come as any surprise. But while Ferreira defeated Ryan Bader at the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions card earlier this year, Pacheco has been dormant since winning the league’s featherweight title last year.
No venue or location has been announced for Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact.
