Francis Ngannou drops powerful one-liner to define MMA return against Renan Ferreira after ugly split with UFC
Francis Ngannou recently discussed his highly anticipated MMA return against Renan Ferreira. Ngannou will compete in an MMA fight for the first time in two years following his venture into the boxing scene.
Ngannou is scheduled to take on Ferreira for the heavyweight title at the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants card on Oct. 19 at the Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former UFC heavyweight champion recently spoke to CBS Sports' Shakiel Mahjouri ahead of his title fight and gave his thoughts on his MMA return.
''Well, the story is to always pick yourself up and keep going no matter, that's the storyline for this fight.''
Check out Francis Ngannou's comments below (5:02):
Ngannou shocked the mixed martial arts community when he became the first reigning UFC champion to leave the promotion since B.J. Penn in 2004. He then obtained a contract with the PFL, where he now occupies an executive role and is allowed to box professionally.
In his first professional bout since leaving the UFC, Ngannou capped off an incredible performance against Tyson Fury, even dropping the Brit to the canvas in the third round.
However, in the end, 'The Predator' lost via split decision. In his most recent boxing outing earlier this year, Ngannou suffered a devastating second-round knockout loss against Anthony Joshua.
Meanwhile, Ferreira is coming off a first-round knockout win against Ryan Bader at the PFL vs. Bellator card earlier this year. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, the Brazilian previewed his upcoming clash with Ngannou, saying:
"Both Francis and I have similar styles. This just happens to be the style that fans enjoy watching and following. So it's just two massive guys with heavy hands that go out there and drop people. So what's not to love?"
Eric Nicksick believes Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira clash hasn't been marketed properly
The upcoming Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira title fight is a highly anticipated event, especially as it marks Ngannou's return to MMA. However, coach Eric Nicksick claims that the PFL has not marketed the bout to the extent that it deserves.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Nicksick questioned the PFL's decision to promote the Ngannou vs. Ferreira fight as a clash of knockout power rather than stressing the importance of the outcome.
''I literally forgot we’re fighting for a title. But it’s like, oh, we get another title fight...Like, we know it’s a title fight in the back of my mind, but I had to reassure myself that we’re fighting for a title here...This is for the PFL title, you know. This is huge, man, so I don’t know; I just wish it was promoted a little bit better too."
Check out Eric Nicksick's comments below (11:38):