Francis Ngannou will face Renan Ferreira for the PFL Super Fight Heavyweight Title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fighters are expected to make their ring walks around 22:30 GMT.
Ngannou, the former UFC star with a record of 17-0-0, is making his debut with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and returning to mixed martial arts (MMA) for the first time since January 2022, when he last defended his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.
### Ngannou’s Path to PFL and MMA Return
Ngannou signed with the PFL in March 2023 following his split from the UFC over pay disputes. His deal with the PFL not only allowed him to compete but also gave him a leadership role on the global advisory board and ownership stakes in PFL Africa, set to launch in 2024.
However, his debut in the PFL was delayed as Ngannou opted to try his hand at boxing. In October 2023, he made headlines by flooring then-unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a closely contested match, though he lost by split decision. In March, he faced Anthony Joshua in a high-profile bout but suffered a knockout defeat, the first of his career.
Ahead of tonight's fight, Ngannou expressed his desire to return to his MMA roots, saying, "I do miss MMA… It’s time to get back."
### Who is Renan Ferreira?
Renan Ferreira, nicknamed "Problema," is a Brazilian mixed martial artist with a professional career dating back to 2013. After initial success, he joined the PFL in 2021, but his debut win over Fabrício Werdum was overturned to a "no contest" after a controversial refereeing decision.
Since then, Ferreira has made a name for himself with a series of knockout victories, including wins over Matheus Scheffel, Maurice Greene, and Denis Goltsov in the PFL’s 2023 heavyweight tournament. His most recent victory came in February when he knocked out Bellator champion Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds, solidifying his position as Ngannou’s challenger.
Combat sports commentator Sean Wheelock said of Ferreira, "He’s proven himself in PFL… If he wins this fight, he could argue he’s the best heavyweight outside of the UFC."