Francis Ngannou to Fight Renan Ferreira on October 19

Francis Ngannou is set to make his long-awaited return to mixed martial arts on October 19, facing Renan Ferreira in his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut. The former UFC heavyweight champion has been absent from MMA since January 2022, during which he attempted boxing, losing to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Ferreira, the reigning PFL heavyweight champion, boasts an impressive record of 13 wins, with 11 victories by knockout. The event will also feature a co-main bout between Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco, with both winners vying for the newly established 'super-fights championship belt'. Ngannou has expressed admiration for Ferreira, highlighting the Brazilian's unique skills and athleticism. This fight marks a significant moment in Ngannou's career as he transitions back to MMA after a challenging boxing stint.