Former UFC heavyweight champ and current PFL star Francis Ngannou believes he’ll be back to MMA before the end of the year.
Ngannou made his exit from the UFC, landing a fight with Tyson Fury in boxing and signing on with the PFL to be part of the league’s Super-Fight Division, last year. After showing out in the Fury fight (losing a close split decision, and knocking Fury down), Ngannou moved on to a match with Anthony Joshua- only to be brutally knocked out.
Speaking to Joe Rogan recently, Ngannou revealed that his relationship with the PFL, which also sees him in a behind the scenes role with PFL Africa, remains solid. “It’s working pretty good. We have a good relationship,” stated Ngannou. “I will be fighting by the end of the year.”
As for who, it looks like 2023 PFL heavyweight champ Renan Ferreira is still the lead candidate.
“I think Renan Ferreira is the guy,” said Ngannou. “I’ve been telling people about this guy for what, almost two years? I said, ‘watch this guy.’ Fast hands. 1-2. Knees. Tough. Very athletic. I think it’s going to be him.”
Following his win in the 2023 season, Ferreira went on to defeat Ryan Bader at the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions this past February.
Asked whether the fight would be in Saudi Arabia, Ngannou said that was what the PFL was working on. As for a timeframe, Ngannou added “October? They’re working on October. It’s not finalized yet, but they were talking about October 19.”
Ngannou also revealed that he expects French star Cedric Doumbe to be on the card as well.
“The Predator” has not fought in MMA since defeating Ciryl Gane in January 2022. Earlier this year, his return to action was brought into question after the tragic passing of his son, Kobe.
