Francis Ngannou Reports October Likely for Renan Ferreira Fight
By FCF Staff
After going throughout 2023 and 2024 to date without competing in mixed-martial-arts, it looks like Francis Ngannou will make his PFL debut before the year is up.
Ngannou ultimately signed with the PFL following his departure from the UFC in 2022. But, since then, the former UFC heavyweight champ has competed in two boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
More recently, Ngannou was a guest on Joe Rogan’s podcast. During the show, Ngannou reported the PFL is targeting October for a showdown with Renan Ferreira (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).
“I think Renan Ferreira is the guy,” Ngannou said. “I’ve been telling people about this guy for almost two years. Very athletic. Fast hands, knees, very athletic. I think it’s going to be him.
“That’s what the PFL is working on. October, sometime. They’re working on October. It’s not finalized but they were talking about Oct. 19.”
The MMA Fighting report also notes that sources have also told the outlet the PFL is looking at October for the Ferreira – Ngannou bout.
The 37-year-old Ngannou dropped a decision loss to the aforementioned Fury in their boxing match, before he was brutally KO’d by Joshua this past March. Ngannou (17-3) recorded a decision win over Ciryl Gane in his last MMA fight, which took place at UFC 270 in January, 2022.
The 34-year-old Ferreira (13-3), meanwhile, stopped Ryan Bader in his last outing, which took place in February. The 2023 PFL heavyweight tournament winner is riding a five-fight, undefeated streak.