Ngannou knocks out Ferreira in First Round on MMA return
Francis Ngannou made a significant return to mixed martial arts (MMA) by knocking out Renan Ferreira in the first round during the Professional Fighters League (PFL) event known as “Battle Of The Giants.”
This fight took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and marked Ngannou’s first MMA contest since January 2022.
The bout began with both fighters exchanging heavy kicks, showcasing their striking abilities. Ngannou, who had been away from the cage for nearly three years due to his transition into boxing, quickly took control of the fight. He executed a takedown on Ferreira after defending against a triangle choke attempt. Once on the ground, Ngannou unleashed a series of powerful punches that left Ferreira unable to defend himself. The referee stepped in to stop the contest with just 88 seconds remaining in the first round.
Following his victory, an emotional Ngannou dedicated the win to his late son, Kobe, who tragically passed away at 15 months old earlier in April 2024.
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In his post-fight interview, he expressed that he fought for Kobe and hoped that people would remember his son’s name. This heartfelt dedication added a layer of significance to Ngannou’s return to MMA.
Before this fight, Ngannou had gained fame as one of the top heavyweights in MMA after winning the UFC heavyweight title in March 2021. His departure from UFC and subsequent boxing matches against notable opponents like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua garnered significant attention but resulted in losses. His signing with PFL was seen as a major acquisition for the organization as it sought to compete more effectively with UFC.
Ngannou’s performance against Ferreira not only reestablished him within MMA but also highlighted his resilience and determination following personal tragedy.
