Francis Ngannou enjoyed a heartfelt chat with Cristiano Ronaldo before the Cameroonian’s sensational MMA comeback.

Ngannou made his long-awaited return to MMA on Saturday night by scoring a vicious KO win over Renan Ferreira to claim the PFL heavyweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ngannou put on a ruthless display on his return to MMAGetty

Ngannou hadn’t stepped foot inside the Octagon since defending his UFC heavyweight crown against Ciryl Gane in January 2022.

But there were no signs of ring rust as he dumped Ferreira on his back and flattened him with a heavy ground and pound onslaught.

Ngannou dedicated his victory to his late son Kobe, who tragically passed away in April at just 15 months old due to an expected brain malformation.

And ahead of the fight, he spoke about his loss with Al Nassr star Ronaldo, who lost his son in childbirth in 2022.

Speaking to MMA Junkie, Ngannou’s coach Erick Nicksick shared what was said between the pair.

He remarked: “Francis got up to wrap his hands, and Ronaldo could feel Francis’ energy, and he goes, ‘I’m just going to give him words of encouragement.’

“He was talking about the loss of one of his children and how he related to that.

“I know how big of a star he is, but sitting next to me and having this very personal conversation made him feel like he was part of the team right then and there.

“His son [Cristiano Jr] was in there with us and hanging out, so it was very much a welcomed energy to have in the room, especially someone of that stature who understands the highest pressure.”

The African powerhouse was overcome by emotion as the referee stepped in and waved off the fight on Saturday.

PFLNgannou and Ronaldo shared an emotional moment in the Cameroonian’s dressing room[/caption]

The heavyweight made light work of the dangerous FerreiraGetty

“I can’t think about anything other than my son Kobe,” said Ngannou as he broke down in tears.

“I did this fight for him and I’m done so I don’t know.

“I hope they can remember his name because without Kobe I wouldn’t be here tonight.

“It was tough [fighting tonight]. Not only the training camp was tough, but the past two days were very tough and full of emotion.

“I couldn’t do anything without thinking about it. I’m trying to be strong, but it’s hard man.

“I knew I hadn’t missed a step, as soon as I walked in the MMA gym, I knew everything was there.

“It was just about me being able to manage my emotions and deal with life separately.”