Francis Ngannou gives significant update on immediate next step and potential timeline for return
Francis Ngannou has given fans insight into when he’ll return to action after his victorious PFL debut. The former UFC heavyweight champion competed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this past Saturday, where he defeated Renan Ferreira in their PFL heavyweight title fight.
Following the win, Ngannou appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show and discussed his plans for the future. He confirmed that his next fight won't happen before 2025. Whether the fight will be in MMA or boxing remains uncertain, as Ngannou left both options open. He said:
"It could be either one, I don't know yet. I don't have any hand in that one, I don't have a decision. I think it also depends on promotion. I don't know. If next PFL they come up with something with a fight or a date, maybe we'll work on it. If it's boxing, same thing."
For now, fans can expect to see 'The Predator' return in the first half of next year, likely by the second quarter, as Ngannou indicated:
"First half, second quarter"
Check out Francis Ngannou's comments below:
Check out the full interview below:
Francis Ngannou's coach revealed emotional journey leading to fight against Renan Ferreira at PFL
Francis Ngannou’s knockout win over Renan Ferreira at PFL's Battle of the Giants was more than just another fight—it was a deeply emotional moment. Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, opened up about the intensity surrounding the event, revealing he had never felt such a strong urge to reach his fighter after a win.
Ngannou returned to MMA after a three-year hiatus, tragically carrying the weight of his son Kobe’s passing. Despite this personal loss, the former UFC heavyweight champion pushed forward and knocked out Ferreira in the first round.
Nicksick shared how the emotional journey culminated in a pre-fight gathering with close family and friends. Ngannou, holding back tears, dedicated the fight to his late son.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, Nicksick said:
"We met with the family, the extended family and we had this, kind of like a private little room area and everybody said a prayer, everybody said a moment of encouragement to Francis... It was beautiful, bro. And then Francis spoke and he cried. He let out a lot of this emotion right before we left for the fight... And he said, ‘This is for Kobe,’ and dude, there wasn’t a dry eye in that room. We’re all emotionally attached to the situation and I couldn’t be happier for him in a time of still grieving. It was an honor to be by his side.”
Check out Francis Ngannou's impressive first-round knockout win below: