It’s been over two years since we last saw Francis Ngannou in mixed martial arts (MMA) action.
Ngannou is anticipated to make a comeback to the sport that he gained recognition in and make his first appearance for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2024. After joining the promotion in early 2023, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight champion has already competed in two boxing matches before transitioning back to fighting inside the cage.
In Ngannou’s absence, PFL standout, Renan Ferreira, won the division’s seasonal tournament and iced Bellator Heavyweight titleholder, Ryan Bader, in 21 seconds (watch highlights). Ngannou now has an idea of when he’ll make his long-awaited debut.
“I think Renan Ferreira is the guy,” Ngannou said on The Joe Rogan Experience (h/t MMA Fighting). “I’ve been telling people about this guy for almost two years. Very athletic. Fast hands, knees, very athletic. I think it’s going to be him.
“That’s the focus of the PFL’s current efforts – October, though the exact date is yet to be confirmed. However, there were discussions about October 19.”
A lot of the speculation around Ngannou has been about what sport he’ll compete in going forward after debuting in boxing. While his first two matches against Tyson Fury (watch highlights) and Anthony Joshua (watch highlights) didn’t go his way, he plans to get back in the squared circle after his MMA return.
“I can confidently say that MMA is the next step,” Ngannou expressed. “Considering that it has been over a year since the PFL agreement and I was supposed to have a fight within that timeframe, we are now slightly off schedule.”
Ngannou, 37, last saw his hand raised in his only UFC title defense when he earned a unanimous decision against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. Despite having missed a small chunk of time in MMA due to injuries, contract negotiations, and his boxing endeavors, Ngannou believes he has a handful of good years left in him before he can put a bow on his storybook run to the top of the combat sports mountain.
Ngannou expressed his desire to retire from the sport before it becomes necessary for him to do so. He envisions leaving around the age of 41 while still feeling capable and passionate about competing. He emphasizes the importance of taking each day as it comes and not wanting to feel obligated to train. Instead, he wants to maintain the excitement and enthusiasm for stepping into the gym, whether it results in victory or defeat.
He concluded, “I will continue my journey as long as I possess it. However, once I no longer possess it, even if I haven’t reached the age of 40, I believe that would be an indication to stop.”
