Francis Ngannou is set to make a long-awaited return to MMA this weekend as he makes his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira.
The Predator left UFC in January 2023 and signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League, but he’s yet to appear.
Ngannou is back on the MMA sceneGetty
This is because he’s been taking part in lucrative boxing fights against some of the greatest heavyweights of this generation.
He first faced Tyson Fury, knocking the Gypsy King down before going on to lose via split decision.
But Ngannou impressed, and he was thrown in against Anthony Joshua, who knocked the Cameroonian out.
So, after not fighting in MMA for nearly three years, he’s back to show everyone he’s still the baddest man on the planet.
However, his opponent is no gimme as Ferreira is the current PFL Heavyweight champion, claiming the title in January.
He has won his last four fights via KO and stands at an imposing 6ft 8 – four inches taller than Ngannou.
Elsewhere on the card, Cris Cyborg faces Larissa Pacheco for the Women’s Featherweight title.
Ngannou vs Ferreira: Date and how to follow
This PFL heavyweight title contest is set to take place on Saturday, October 19.
It is being held at King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The undercard is scheduled to get underway at around 5:30pm UK time.
The main card is set for 9pm, with the Ngannou vs Ferreira ring walks likely to be around 11pm UK time.
The action will be broadcast on DAZN PPV.
talkSPORT will also have updates throughout fight week, while the talkSPORT MMA channel will have exclusive interviews as well as the press conference streamed live.
talkSPORT.com will also have all the reaction.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Ferreira is a giant of a manCooper Neill / PFL
How to watch Ngannou vs Ferreira
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How to watch Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira live on DAZN
Check out this weekend’s Battle of the Giants live on DAZN Pay-Per-View. Here’s how:
Buy the PPV: Get access to the fight by purchasing the PPV on DAZN.
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Annual discount: Buy the annual upfront package and receive 15% off the PPV.
First month free: Monthly DAZN subscribers can get their first month for free when signing up.
No subscription required: The PPV price is all you need to pay. There’s no obligation to continue after your free trial ends.
With a stacked main card including the highly anticipated return to the cage for Francis Ngannou, this one’s not to be missed – order now and start your free DAZN trial today!
Ngannou vs Ferreira: Undercard
Subject to change
MAIN EVENT: Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira – for PFL Heavyweight belt
Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco – for Women’s Featherweight title
Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards
Husein Kadimagomaev vs. Zafar Mohsen
AJ McKee vs. Paul Hughes
Raufeon Stots vs. Marcos Breno
Makkasharip Zaynukov vs. Dedrek Sanders
Ibragim Ibragimov vs. Nacho Campos
Mostafa Rashed Nada vs. Ahmed Sami
Tariq Ismail vs. Taha Bendaoud
Ngannou vs Ferreira: What has been said?
Ngannou might be back in MMA, but he’s already thinking about a return to boxing and has named some potential opponents.
Speaking to the MMA Club, he said: “I don’t have a name now [who I would like to fight]. I think it depends on the landscape [when I return] but why not a name like [Deontay] Wilder or a rematch with Fury? I don’t know. I am down for everything that makes sense.”
“He [Wilder] is a very good name that I would be interested in.”
Meanwhile, Ferreira is eyeing the chance to build his own legacy.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, he said: “The UFC still is a huge platform.
“The champions there are undisputed, but I’m building my legacy and my history by fighting the best.
“I don’t think too much about fame and what could happen and what people think. I just focus on what I’m doing with hunger and heart, and the rest will come from that.
“We’ve had many champions [from Brazil], people who wrote their names in the history books, so MMA would be as respected as it is today, so that is my mission now. I’m focused on this.”
