A big heavyweight showdown headlines PFL: Battle of the Giants when former UFC champion Francis Ngannou returns to MMA to face 2023 PFL champion Renan Ferreira.
Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira preview
Ngannou (17-3 MMA, 0-0 PFL) competes in his first MMA bout after exiting the UFC and competing in a pair of big matchups in the boxing ring. Ngannou defeated Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 to retain the UFC heavyweight title, but after negotiations with the promotion fell through, “The Predator” became a free agent and signed with PFL.
The contract with PFL allowed Ngannou the freedom to compete in boxing matches, which led to a bout against WBC champ Tyson Fury in last October. Ngannou scored the only knockdown in the fight, but lost a split decision. Ngannou then faced former champion Anthony Joshua in March and was knocked out in Round 2. He now returns to the MMA cage for his first fight under the PFL banner.
Ferreira (13-3 MMA, 7-1 PFL) solidified his position as the top challenge for Ngannou by winning the 2023 PFL Championships with a second-round knockout of Denis Goltsov in November. “Problema” then faced Ryan Bader at PFL vs. Bellator: Champions in February, finishing the Bellator champ in just 21 seconds.
Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira odds
DraftKings released the odds for the bout, with Ngannou opening as a solid favorite at -298 and Ferriera as a +240 underdog.
How to watch Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira at PFL: Battle of the Giants
- When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024
- Where: The Mayadeen, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Broadcast/streaming: ESPN+ pay-per-view
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL: Battle of the Giants.
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