Ayeni Olusegun
Riyadh
Francis Ngannou has dismissed any notion of going for a quick knockout in his highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts (MMA) and his debut in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after nearly two years away.
Ngannou fulfilled a lifelong dream by stepping into the boxing ring in 2023, and early this year, though lucrative and unsuccessful, he returns to MMA riding a six-fight winning streak and boasting a 17-3 record. On October 19, at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, the Cameroonian-born powerhouse will face PFL heavyweight champion Renan ‘Problema’ Ferreira for the newly minted superfight heavyweight belt in the PFL Super Fights’ headline event, "Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact.”
"My goal is to fight strategically and adapt to how the fight goes,” Ngannou said at a press conference in Riyadh. "In my career, I’ve only gone for an outright knockout once, and it didn’t work out well.
"Another time, I got a knockout in 25 seconds, but that wasn’t planned. So, let’s keep the fight authentic. I’ve got 25 minutes, and my game plan is around that.” Ngannou also emphasised that while he doesn’t underestimate his opponent, Ferreira, he’s well aware of his own power.
"Renan is definitely a top-tier fighter,” he said, adding that his biggest opponent has always been himself.
"On fight night, I’m coming for him, so he better be ready. This is MMA, everything will be on display. We’ve prepared for everything, and I believe he’s done the same. He’s a jiu-jitsu black belt but knows not to underestimate my punching power.” While much of the frenzy has been around Ngannou’s return, Ferreira has quietly flown under the radar. The 6’8” Brazilian, who holds an impressive 13-3 record, last fought in February and views this as a pivotal moment in his career. Drawing comparisons between his journey and Ngannou’s, Ferreira recognises the challenge ahead.
"Both Francis and I came from humble beginnings and have had an incredible career to reach where we are,” Ferreira said. "It’s an honour to fight one of the strongest men in the world. We’re both complete fighters, we can strike and grapple.
"I’m ready for whatever comes, and the fans can expect a great fight.” In the co-headline fight, legendary MMA veteran Cris Cyborg, now 39, has dubbed her Women’s Featherweight title bout the start of her "legacy tour.” Cyborg will face Larissa Pacheco, a fighter whose style has drawn comparisons to Cyborg’s earlier years in the sport.
"I’m excited for this fight. It’s the start of my legacy tour,” Cyborg said. "I’ve got three fights left here, and I’m telling my fans to come watch. I feel blessed to have been in this sport for 20 years. I’ll be fighting for the belt, and it’s going to be amazing.” Cyborg added: "Larissa and I share a lot of similarities in the way we started. But I’ve proven myself over the years.
"I have nothing left to prove. Whether standing or grappling, I have five rounds to finish this fight.” For Pacheco, a victory over Cyborg would elevate her to a new level of respect in the sport. "To become a legend, you need to beat a legend,” Pacheco said. "I’ve already accomplished a lot, and people treat me differently. A win over Cyborg will put me in a different state and position in my career.”