Francis Ngannou Returns to MMA

PFL
FRANCIS NGANNOU RETURNS

Today, the PFL announced the return of Francis Ngannou to MMA.

Ngannou, since exiting the UFC as the undisputed heavyweight champion ventured into boxing last year. Partnering with the PFL in Saudi Arabia he lost against Tyson Fury, but it was a split decision loss. That gave him enough motivation to continue testing his power in the boxing ring. He would face Anthony Joshua next and fall short, losing to Joshua by a second round KO.

Ngannou’s deal with the PFL is for MMA matches and super-fights. Had he been successful in boxing the chances of seeing that play out might not have happened but here we are. All this time the PFL’s 2023 Heavyweight Champion, Renan Ferreira has been patiently waiting for his super fight against the UFC knock out machine since he beat Bellator Heavyweight Champion, Ryan Bader at their first Super Fights event. The PFL’s press release stated they would be fighting for the “PFL Super Fights Championship Belt.”

The pay-per-view event will also feature Cris “Cyborg” Justino’s first bout under the PFL banner. She will face PFL’s 2023 Featherweight Champion Larissa Pacheco in a bout that has been teased since the PFL acquired Bellator MMA last year. Both Cyborg and Pacheco have been vocal about being essentially sidelined since the the acquisition happened so seeing an official announcement gives them, and us something to look forward to.

The location for the event was not mentioned, but given the history of Ngannou headlined events with the PFL and the date attached, my prediction is it will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Probably in the Kingdom Arena again.

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