While Francis Ngannou respects the threat that upcoming PFL foe Renan Ferreira brings to the table, he doesn't see where the Brazilian is superior.
Ngannou is set to make the walk for an MMA fight for the first time since a successful UFC title defense against Ciryl Gane in January 2022. Following that, "The Predator" was sidelined through injury before choosing to exit the promotion at the start of last year.
After putting pen to paper on an MMA deal with the Professional Fighters League, Ngannou used his newfound freedom to make his long-held boxing ambitions a reality.
And although consecutive bouts with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua led many to question his future in the cage, the Cameroonian will indeed resume his MMA career on Oct. 19 in Saudi Arabia, where he's slated to headline a PFL pay-per-view against Ferreira.
The Brazilian veteran is coming off title success in the PFL's heavyweight season last year and a rapid knockout of Bellator kingpin Ryan Bader this past February.
Despite his opponent's winning form, however, Ngannou sees no area of the game where he'll be outmatched by Ferreira come fight night...
Ngannou Brands Ferreira A 'Lesser Version' Of Him
During a recent interview with CBS Sports' Shakiel Mahjouri, Ngannou looked ahead to his upcoming return to MMA competition in the Middle East.
When discussing the threat posed by "Problema," Ngannou acknowledged that his foe is solid in all areas. But in terms of where the Brazilian's abilities could surpass his, "The Predator" sees nothing.
I don't know. He is very athletic. He's very skilled, well-rounded," Ngannou said. "But I think whatever it is, it's a little less than me [laughs]. He is a little less version of me, I would say so.
Ngannou will look to prove that assessment correct come fight night in Riyadh next weekend, when he dips his toes back into mixed martial arts waters for the first time in close to three years.
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