Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has spoken out ahead of his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut against Renan Ferreira.
After almost 3 years away from the cage, Francis Ngannou will make his return to MMA. The Cameroonian won the undisputed heavyweight championship belt in the UFC by knocking out Stipe Miocic on March 27, 2021. Subsequently, on January 22, 2022, he defended his title by obtaining a victory by unanimous decision against Ciryl Gane.
Following unsuccessful negotiations with the UFC, the ‘Predator’ ultimately parted ways with the American organization in January 2023, leaving his belt vacant. After two fights in English boxing, including a split decision defeat against Tyson Fury and a KO defeat against Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou will make his comeback in mixed martial arts.
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Francis Ngannou wants to silence his detractors
Francis Ngannou spoke on Canal + Sport Africa as his return approaches.
« I’m still the best heavyweight in the world. Unless someone proves me otherwise. For those who doubt me, I will prove them wrong. I plan to prove that I have become better, as a fighter and as a man. And that’s what matters most. I have always considered myself a champion. Because being a champion means showing determination. It’s about being present in every moment. You have to give everything and that’s what I do. This is my way of being champion. »
Despite not having fought in MMA since 2022, Ngannou remains confident: “ I may have been away for almost three years but I never left MMA. Fighting isn’t just what I do, it’s a part of me. At this point in my life I think I’ve proven a lot, to the people watching and to myself. I know I can do it, I’ve done it so many times. I no longer have anything to prove to myself. But I always remain demanding, I have to give everything. I must not hold back my blows. I like to prove my detractors wrong, to shut them up. Watch them stay silent. »
“The reason I fight is different”
In March, Francis Ngannou experienced a tragedy. Her son, then 15 months old, tragically died. A terribly difficult ordeal, which Francis Ngannou wishes to transform into motivation:
« For me this fight is special. The objective is different. The reason I fight is different. It comes at a time in my life where I need something to hold on to. I need a reason, a meaning. For this fight, my motivation will not be the same as usual. »
« There was a moment when I thought I had won everything. I thought I had succeeded in life. No matter how hard life is, no matter what challenges I encountered. When I see my family, I still had my son. I said to myself: I succeeded, I did it. It doesn’t matter what happens now. He was my comfort, my pride. Even though he was only a little boy of 15 months. I never thought this could happen to him. And suddenly everything falls apart. You who felt so strong, you suddenly feel incapable, useless. And that’s when you realize that in reality, you have nothing. Because everything is fleeting, everything can end so quickly. »
« After this event, nothing had any value to me. I thought about retiring, I didn’t want to fight anymore. But I thought of my son. The memories I have of him and what could do him honor. I don’t want him to take responsibility for being the reason I quit. I couldn’t accept it. Giving up was not the right choice. So I decided to keep moving forward. The reason I could have stopped everything became my motivation. »
Francis Ngannou will make his comeback on October 19, during the PFL Super Fight. Battle of the Giant “. He will face Brazilian giant Renan Ferreira (2 meters 03), who is coming off a knockout victory in 21 seconds over Ryan Bader. Victory or defeat, Francis Ngannou will honor the memory of his son by entering the cage.
Who do you think is the winner between Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira?
