Ayeni Olusegun
Riyadh
For Francis Ngannou, stepping back into the cage may serve as a form of therapy for the fighter known as “The Predator.”
Since parting ways with the UFC and signing a groundbreaking deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2023 which allows him the freedom to pursue non-MMA fighting opportunities, the Cameroon-born former UFC heavyweight champion has faced considerable challenges – both professionally and personally.
Two boxing losses, one to Tyson Fury in 2023 and another to Anthony Joshua in March by knockout, along with the tragic passing of his infant son earlier this year, have left many questioning whether the iconic fighter can make a triumphant return as he prepares for his PFL debut.
“I am calm and don’t need to jump around to express myself. I don’t waste my energy when it’s not needed. But this fight is becoming more serious, though it always has been,” Ngannou said, discussing his mindset ahead of his match against PFL heavyweight champion Renan “Problema” Ferreira, scheduled for October 19 at the Mayadeen in Riyadh.
Dubbed the “Battle of the Giants,” the newly minted PFL Super Fights Championship Belt will be on the line for the heavyweights. But for Ngannou, the time for preparation has passed.
“You can feel the energy of the fight. Since I landed here, I’ve felt it. At this point, it’s not about preparation anymore, it’s about demonstration. You feel the energy and imagine how the fight will unfold, processing it in your mind. It’s about being in the moment now,” Ngannou said.
Despite his calm demeanour, it’s been a difficult time for Ngannou, something he did not shy away from acknowledging when asked about his training camp.
“It was definitely different,” Ngannou admitted with a sigh. “Many emotions are involved, but we do what we must. Life has always been full of challenges, and people have always overcome them – so why not me? It’s just another one. When it hits you, though, you can feel the difference. But that emotion becomes a purpose and motivation because I always have a purpose,” he added.
A challenging opponent
Ngannou faces a tough challenge in Ferreira, an athletic but somewhat unheralded fighter. While the build-up to this fight has centred around Ngannou’s return, he quickly dismisses the idea that he enters the fight as a clear favourite.
He added that this could be more of an underdog story for him, considering how some in the MMA community have downplayed Ferreira’s skills while others question whether Ngannou is still the top heavyweight in the world.
“I think Renan Ferreira is a challenging opponent. People are underestimating him because he’s not a big name, but he’s a talented fighter, more talented than several guys I’ve fought,” Ngannou said.
“He’s athletic, has a black belt in jiu-jitsu, and might be the fastest and best striker in the heavyweight division. He’s a massive, skilled, agile fighter. He may not have the biggest name, but he’s dangerous, and I don’t underestimate him. I’m going into this fight seeing myself as the underdog.”
PFL Africa: Building
a legacy
Beyond the fight, Ngannou’s groundbreaking contract with the PFL has put him in a unique position to grow mixed martial arts in Africa. As the chairman and face of PFL Africa, he is committed to creating an infrastructure that nurtures and develops African talent, an effort he sees as actively participating in the sport’s growth rather than merely “giving back.”
With a harrowing personal story of travelling across Africa to make it to Europe, the 38-year-old Ngannou knows firsthand the importance of opportunity. “It’s important for me because, as a kid, I would have loved for someone to create opportunities like this. I want to be the person I needed when I was young,” Ngannou said.
“Today, I have the chance to be that person. When you’re blessed enough to be in this position, you have to contribute and do what you can. Yes, we can talk about my past, but many people have struggled even more than I have. I’m doing this for the next generation.
“It’s a blessing to be in this position to do something that can help somebody. We are happy when we receive help, and it’s the same way other people will appreciate the gesture.”
