After everything that he has been through this year, Francis Ngannou's MMA return was a triumphant one as he stopped Renan Ferreira in the first round.

The main event of PFL Battle Of The Giants ended up on the ground early on after the former UFC champion secured the takedown.

Several unanswered ground and pound strikes — too many, in fact — laid Ferreira flat out on the canvas, leaving an emotional Ngannou to share a touching embrace with his coaches.

Ngannou spoke in his post-fight interview about how he was confident that he wouldn't have lost a step during his time away but dealing with his emotions on fight week following the tragic passing of his son earlier this year was very difficult for him to overcome.

MMA Fans React To Successful MMA Return Of Francis Ngannou In PFL PPV Headliner

MMA fans and fighters on social media reacted to the emotional scenes as the Cameroonian did what he does best and delivered a scary knockout.

The post-fight comments also spoke about the stoppage of the fight, with Ferreira seemingly being knocked out only for him to be hit with several more big shots before referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in.

• Read More: PFL Battle Of The Giants: Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira Results & Highlights