Renan Ferreira has his sights firmly fixed on a showdown with Francis Ngannou, setting the stage for a potentially explosive clash in the PFL arena.
Fresh from his commanding victory over Ryan Bader in the headline bout at PFL vs. Bellator held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ferreira wasted no time in issuing a direct challenge to Ngannou for a PFL encounter.
“Francis, where you at? I’m waiting for you,” declared Ferreira, as reported by Ariel Helwani.
PFL takes home the Main Event win!#PFLvsBellator pic.twitter.com/LseKR2WOCu
— PFL (@PFLMMA) February 24, 2024
The 2023 PFL heavyweight champion dispatched Bader, the reigning Bellator heavyweight champion, in a mere 21 seconds, showcasing his dominance in the ring.
Ferreira’s call-out sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, in the near future.
Ngannou had hinted earlier in the week during an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter that he was likely to make his MMA comeback against the winner of the Ferreira vs. Bader clash.
Renan Ferreira takes his place on the throne!#PFLvsBellator pic.twitter.com/6tZIRstvKR
— PFL (@PFLMMA) February 24, 2024
“I think the winner of this is the guy I’m going to fight in my MMA return,” Ngannou had revealed to ESPN. “It is my intention to return to the sport. When exactly, I think depends on March 8. [Ferreira and Bader] are both champions and one of them is going to be a ‘Champ Champ.’ So, I think there isn’t a better way to find an opponent [for me], since I am a champion myself.”
Subsequently, the PFL confirmed that Ferreira and Ngannou would indeed face-off, marking Ngannou’s debut in the PFL arena.
🚨𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨
𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗦 For Saturday Night 👀@francis_ngannou will face the winner of the Renan Ferriera vs Ryan Bader bout#PFLvsBellator pic.twitter.com/4dP9RqYiMu
— PFL (@PFLMMA) February 22, 2024
While Ngannou signed with the PFL in May 2023, his debut has been delayed due to his focus on his boxing career.
After a split decision loss to Tyson Fury in his professional boxing debut in October, Ngannou has a highly anticipated bout scheduled with former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on March 8 in Saudi Arabia.
Prior to his venture into boxing, Ngannou enjoyed a stellar career in the UFC from 2015 to 2022, amassing a record of 17-3. Notable victories include triumphs over Stipe Miocic and Ciryl Gane.
Ferreira, now boasting a 13-3 record in his PFL career, demonstrated his prowess once again with the victory over Bader. Alongside Bader, he has also overcome formidable opponents such as Denis Goltsov, Jamelle Jones, and Maurice Greene.
