Francis Ngannou discusses whether Renan Ferreira's performance could be affected due to magnitude of their fight: "This has two effects"
Francis Ngannou recently discussed whether Renan Ferreira's performance could be affected due to the magnitude of their highly anticipated heavyweight clash. The bout is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Oct.19 and will serve as the main event of PFL: Battle of the Giants.
The former UFC heavyweight champion is undoubtedly the toughest opponent the Brazilian will probably face in his MMA career and it will also be the most high profile bout of his career. The former PFL heavyweight tournament winner showcased his power in his most recent bout as he earned a knockout win over Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader. Despite proving he can defeat top competition, one has to wonder whether he will feel more pressure fighting Ngannou.
While speaking to MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn, the 38-year-old noted that the added pressure could have either a positive or negative effect on the Brazilian. Ngannou mentioned that Ferreira could either fold under the pressure or it could be something that serves him well and brings the best out of him:
"This has two effects...[It] can be a lot of pressure for [Ferreira] or [it] can really get him in his best...When people manage, people are hyped and they manage whether they overdo or just do like, properly in the limit, so this has two effects. He's excited, he knows that this is his ticket for the first class." [5:59 - 6:30]
Check out the full interview with Francis Ngannou below:
What will be at stake when Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira compete at PFL: Battle of the Giants?
There will be a lot at stake when Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira headline PFL: Battle of the Giants on Oct.19.
The winner of the bout will be crowned the inaugural PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion. Unlike the special Champion vs. Champion titles that were awarded to the winners at the PFL vs. Bellator event this past February, the Super Fights championship will be defended going forward.
It will be interesting to see which competitor comes out the winner and whether the PFL will have the next contender lined up for an immediate faceoff after the bout.
Check out the first faceoff between Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira below: