It appears that all systems are finally go for Francis Ngannou's debut under the Professional Fighters League (PFL) banner.
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, hasn't competed in mixed martial arts since his successful title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Since then, he's departed the UFC off the back of a lengthy contractual dispute and found a new home.
"The Predator" put pen to paper on an exclusive MMA deal with the PFL last May, which also sees him as the chairman of PFL Africa, set to launch in 2025. He's yet to enter the SmartCage, however, instead using the freedom granted to him to complete a long-desired venture to the boxing ring.
And after shocking the world with his performance against then-WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, Ngannou remained in the boxing world for a blockbuster matchup with former two-time unified champ Anthony Joshua.
A brutal knockout loss to "AJ" in Saudi Arabia this past March appeared to put a stop to his charge in the ring for the time being, and it now appears that Ngannou's sights are back on the sport in which he made his name...
Ngannou Says PFL Debut In The Works For October
During a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Ngannou revealed that his MMA return and PFL debut is in the works over a year on from his signing.
"The Predator" confirmed that the promotion's second pay-per-view is targeted for October 19 in Saudi Arabia, and that the current plan is for him to share the cage with 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira.
We have a good relationship. I have a fight. I will be fighting by the end of the year," Ngannou said. "I think Renan Ferreira is the guy. I've been telling people about this guy for almost two years. Very athletic, fast hands, one-two...very athletic. I think it's going to be him.
That's what the PFL is working on. ... They're working on October. It's not finalized yet, but they (were) talking about October 19," Ngannou added.
Ngannou's remarks come as the second indication that the PFL will stage a major card in Riyadh on Oct. 19. Earlier this month, former UFC title challenger Yoel Romero claimed he's set to challenge Corey Anderson for the Bellator light heavyweight title on that date.
While the date comes as a fresh update for "The Predator's" MMA return, Ferreira has been lined up as the opposition ever since his standout performance in the main event of the PFL vs. Bellator PPV card this past February.
In the main event, "Problema" knockout out Bellator Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader just 21 seconds into the very first round. He now looks in line to be rewarded for that performance with the kind of handsome payday set to come with fighting Ngannou in the PFL.
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