Former UFC champions Francis Ngannou and Cris Cyborg both have their mixed martial arts returns and PFL debuts in the calendar.
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight kingpin, hasn’t competed in MMA since his successful title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Since then, he’s departed the MMA leader 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 Ngannou’s sights are back on the sport in which he made his name.
The PFL announced in a press release this week that "The Predator" will debut in a pay-per-view main event on October 19. As expected, he'll share the Octagon with Renan Ferreira, the promotion's 2023 heavyweight champ who secured the much sought-after Ngannou bout by stopping Ryan Bader in seconds this past February.
While a location hasn't been confirmed, the PFL's second PPV event of 2024 has long been touted to once again take place in Saudi Arabia.
In the release, Ngannou commented on his confirmed first foray into the PFL cage, noting that he's had his eyes on "Problema" for a while.
Renan is a great fighter; I have been watching him for years,” Ngannou said. “I have been studying him for years, in fact I’ve been telling people to watch this guy. He’s quite unique, he’s athletic, fast, his size doesn’t impress me as much as his skill.
The two powerhouses, whose clash is dubbed "Battle of the Giants," will compete for a Super Fight belt, the first editions of which were up for grabs at the PFL vs. Bellator card in Riyadh earlier this year.
Ngannou won't be the only major name making a long-awaited return, with Bellator Women's Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg making the walk to compete in MMA for the first time since October 2023.
Cyborg Finally Gets PFL Debut, Faces Pacheco On Ngannou Undercard
Cyborg has been frequently calling for a booking since the Professional Fighters League officially acquired the Bellator brand late last year.
The MMA great's frustration at a champ vs. champ showdown with Larissa Pacheco not coming to fruition has even seen her publicly flame the PFL and higher-ups such as founder Donn Davis.
The Brazilian has finally gotten her wish, however, and will meet Pacheco, the PFL's first-ever two-weight title winner, on the undercard of Ngannou's momentous MMA comeback this fall.
Cyborg has defended her featherweight belt five times since winning it in January 2020. She'll now have the chance to add another strap to her collection at the expense of Pacheco, who defeated Kayla Harrison to win the 2022 PFL lightweight season and Marina Mokhnatkina to capture last year's inaugural 145-pound title.