Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Cameroon’s Francis Ngannou made a spectacular return to mixed martial arts (MMA) by securing a first-round knockout victory over Renan Ferreira at the PFL Super Fights event. The highly anticipated bout marked Ngannou’s return to the cage after nearly three years away from the sport, and he did not disappoint.
Ngannou, known for his ferocious power, overwhelmed his Brazilian opponent with a barrage of brutal ground strikes, ending the fight within the first round. The win was a significant milestone in Ngannou’s career, not only for the dominant performance but also for the emotional weight he carried into the fight.
In a touching moment after the victory, Ngannou dedicated the win to his late son, Kobe, who tragically passed away earlier this year. Ngannou, visibly emotional, reflected on how his son’s memory motivated him to step back into the cage after such a long hiatus.
“I can’t think about anything [other] than my son Kobe,” Ngannou said during the post-fight interview. “I only took this fight because of him. I went to fight for him. I hope they can remember his name because, without Kobe, we wouldn’t be here tonight. I wouldn’t have fought.”
The win also reaffirmed Ngannou’s confidence in his skills, despite his extended absence from competition. “I knew I didn’t miss a step,” Ngannou stated. “I wasn’t worried about it because as soon as I walked into the gym, I knew everything was still there. It was just me being able to manage my emotions, deal with life separately, and not mix things up. That’s what I have been working on.”
Ngannou’s return sparked questions about his future in combat sports, particularly whether he would continue in MMA or pursue further opportunities in boxing, where he recently fought Tyson Fury. “I think my next move in combat sports all depends on me, how I feel,” he said. “I always think I have a lot to give and keep thinking that way.”
Renan Ferreira, who entered the fight on a four-match winning streak, was gracious in defeat. “Yesterday wasn’t a good day at work, but I’m very happy with all our dedication and everything that developed through our work,” Ferreira said. “Unfortunately, my opponent was superior. He managed to impose a game that I couldn’t defend, which led to very hard ground-and-pound.”
Ferreira’s defeat ended his momentum after impressive victories over notable opponents like Matheus Scheffel, Maurice Greene, Denis Goltsov, and Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader. However, the Brazilian heavyweight expressed his determination to bounce back. “Life goes on, we’ll be back. I want to thank everyone for all the love and support. We’re always together.”
The event in Riyadh highlighted Ngannou’s triumphant return to the sport that made him a global star, setting the stage for future blockbuster matchups as he continues to carve out his legacy in combat sports.