Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou appears set to make his promotional debut in the Professional Fighters League.
Ngannou, who signed with the PFL last year, has yet to make his debut as he is focused on boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. “The Predator” appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast on Tuesday to discuss his MMA future. When asked about his boxing activities and future plans, Ngannou revealed that the PFL is preparing his first fight for the organization, revealing a potential opponent, date and location.
Ngannou says his relationship with the PFL is “really good” and he’s preparing to face heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in 2023.
UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad, Saturday at 10 pm ET on ESPN+. Order now! “It’s going well. We have a good relationship. I’m planning on fighting by the end of the year. I think Renan Ferreira will be the opponent,” Ngannou said.
🚨 Francis Ngannou says he plans to fight Renan Ferreira in October
Nothing has been decided yet, but the PFL says the fight is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia on October 19th 👀
(via. Joerogan)
#PFL
#Mixed Martial Arts
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— Championship Round (@ChampRDS)
July 23, 2024
Although Ferreira is not well known to the public, the former UFC champion has given him a lot of credibility and admiration.
“I’ve been telling everybody about this guy for almost two years now,” Ngannou said. “I said, ‘Watch this guy.’ Very athletic, quick with his hands, quick with his knees. Very athletic. I think this guy’s going to win.”
Ngannou added that the PFL is targeting to hold the bout in Saudi Arabia on Oct. 19, but the date and event have yet to be confirmed. Ngannou said he believes Cedric Doumbe is also on the cards for the event, although plans have not been finalized.
Ferreira shot to prominence during a successful 2023 PFL heavyweight season when he won three straight bouts and captured the PFL heavyweight title, then opened his 2024 campaign with a first-round knockout of Bellator champion Ryan Bader in a PFL vs. Bellator bout on Feb. 24.
