The wait is finally over for MMA fans, as Francis Ngannou makes his long-anticipated return to the cage this Saturday, October 19, at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The five-round heavyweight showdown between Ngannou (17-3) and Renan Ferreira (13-3) will headline PFL: Battle of the Giants, with the promotion’s super fight heavyweight title on the line.
When is the Francis Ngannou vs. Renana Ferreira fight?
Saturday night’s show gets underway at 5.30pm UK, 12.30pm ET, 7.30pm AST, with the early fight card beginning at 6.30pm UK, 1.30pm ET, 8.30 AST.
The PPV main card starts at 9pm UK, 4pm ET, 11pm AST.
- Date: Saturday, October 19
- Time: 5.30pm UK / 12.30pm ET
- Main card: 9pm UK / 4pm ET
- Ngannou vs. Ferreira main event cagewalks: 6 PM ET EST.
- How to watch: Click here to watch PFL
Ngannou’s Return to MMA
Ngannou, 38, has not fought in MMA since January 2022, when he successfully defended the UFC heavyweight title in a hard-fought decision against Ciryl Gane. That win marked his final bout in the UFC, and in early 2023, he left the organization after a contract dispute. Ngannou’s move to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) granted him a unique opportunity — permission to pursue a parallel career in boxing.
Watch: Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira Live Stream
Ngannou made a splash in the boxing world when he faced Tyson Fury in October 2023, stunning fans by knocking down the undefeated heavyweight king before losing via split decision. Despite the loss, his performance elevated his stock as a combat sports superstar. However, a second venture into the boxing ring against Anthony Joshua in March 2024 did not go as planned, with Ngannou being knocked out in the second round. This defeat ultimately signaled a return to his roots in MMA.
Despite his foray into boxing, Ngannou remains a force in MMA. His last six victories in the cage have come since 2018, with five of them ending in finishes. Now, after nearly two years away from the sport, Ngannou is ready to reclaim his status as the most feared heavyweight in mixed martial arts.
Ferreira: A Dangerous Opponent
Renan Ferreira, 34, is not one to be overlooked. The reigning 2023 PFL heavyweight champion, Ferreira has proven himself as a knockout artist, securing three brutal stoppages last season. His most recent performance was a devastating 21-second knockout over Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader in February, a result that solidified his place among the top heavyweights in the sport.
Standing at 6’10”, Ferreira presents a significant physical challenge to Ngannou, boasting a massive reach and devastating power of his own. The Brazilian powerhouse will enter this fight with the momentum of his recent success and the ambition to dethrone one of MMA’s most iconic figures.
The Stakes at PFL: Battle of the Giants
With the PFL’s super fight heavyweight belt on the line, both fighters have everything to gain in this high-stakes contest. For Ngannou, this marks a fresh chapter in his career as he seeks to solidify his dominance in a new promotion after exiting the UFC on top. Ferreira, on the other hand, is eager to prove that he is not only the PFL’s reigning champion but capable of taking down a living legend in Ngannou.
What to Expect on Fight Night
PFL: Battle of the Giants is set to deliver a full night of action, with nine fights on the card. The prelims are scheduled to kick off at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by the pay-per-view main card at 4 p.m. ET. Fans can expect Ngannou and Ferreira to make their walkouts for the main event around 7 p.m. ET.
Watch: Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira Live Stream
In a battle between a seasoned, returning champion and a rising star in Ferreira, the PFL heavyweight division has never seen higher stakes. Will Ngannou reclaim his throne, or will Ferreira prove himself as the new king of the heavyweights? All questions will be answered on October 19.
