Cristiano Ronaldo was over the moon for Francis Ngannou after he scored a brutal knockout win in his long-awaited MMA comeback.
The Cameroonian cage fighter had been out of the sport since defending his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane in January 2022.
Ngannou scored a dominant win on his return to the OctagonGetty
However, there were no signs of ring rust as he dumped Renan Ferreira on his back before closing the show with some heavy ground and pound to claim the inaugural PFL Super Fights heavyweight crown on Saturday night.
Al Nassr star Ronaldo was in attendance for the fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and was caught on camera celebrating Ngannou‘s victory from cageside.
As the referee stepped in and waved off the fight, Ronaldo rose to his feet and cheered ecstatically.
It came after the pair shared an emotional moment backstage before the fight.
Ngannou’s son Kobe, tragically passed away in April at just 15 months old due to an unexpected brain malformation.
And he shared his grief with Ronaldo, who lost his son in childbirth in 2022, ahead of his ring walk.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Ngannou’s coach Erick Nicksick said: “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.”
YouTube – PFLRonaldo was ecstatic for the Cameroonian MMA star[/caption]
Ngannou was overcome with emotion in the immediate aftermath and sobbed into Nicksick’s arms before paying a touching tribute to his late son.
“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.”
