Francis Ngannou, the Cameroonian powerhouse and former UFC Heavyweight contender, has made a spectacular return to mixed martial arts by winning the PFL Super Fight Heavyweight Championship on October 19, 2024. His victory at the PFL Battle of the Giants event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in his career and sets the stage for exciting future fights in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Francis Ngannou’s Dominant Return to MMA
After nearly three years away from professional MMA, Francis Ngannou stepped back into the cage against Renan Ferreira, the reigning 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion. Ngannou weighed in at 256.8 lbs, while Ferreira came in at 261.5 lbs. The fight ended swiftly, with Ngannou delivering a crushing first-round TKO victory at 3 minutes and 32 seconds, using ground-and-pound strikes to force the referee to stop the bout.
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Ngannou’s performance demonstrated his trademark explosive power, technical skill, and unwavering determination. His dominant victory crowned him the first-ever PFL Super Fight Heavyweight Champion and marked his arrival as a top heavyweight force outside of the UFC.
Emotional Victory Dedicated to Late Son Kobe
This win was not just a sporting achievement; it was deeply personal. Francis Ngannou dedicated his PFL heavyweight title win to his late 15-month-old son, Kobe, who tragically passed away earlier in 2024. Ngannou emotionally shared,
“I only did this fight because of him. I wanted to fight for him… I hope they can remember his name, because without Kobe, we wouldn’t be here tonight.”
This emotional tribute resonated with fans worldwide, showcasing Ngannou’s strength both as a fighter and as a father.
The PFL Super Fight Division and Ngannou’s Leadership Role
The PFL Super Fight Division, introduced in 2024, is designed to revolutionize MMA by offering fighters a 50% share of pay-per-view revenue, a groundbreaking step in fighter compensation. Francis Ngannou plays a key role in this new era — not only as a champion but also as Chairman of PFL Africa and a member of the PFL Global Advisory Board.
Ngannou’s leadership reflects his dedication to growing MMA worldwide, especially in Africa, where he remains a major inspiration for aspiring fighters.
Potential Mega Fight: Francis Ngannou vs Jon Jones
One of the most anticipated potential matchups in MMA is a superfight between Francis Ngannou and UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones. Although UFC President Dana White has shown little interest in arranging this fight, PFL Chairman Donn Davis proposed a “winner takes all” showdown that could unite the UFC and PFL in an unprecedented collaboration.
The proposal has gained momentum with backing from Saudi entertainment chief Turki Alalshikh, fueling speculation that this blockbuster fight could become a reality. Such a fight would be historic, attracting global attention and setting new financial and sporting records in MMA.
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What’s Next for Francis Ngannou?
Francis Ngannou currently has two fights remaining on his PFL contract and has competed only once so far. Whether he continues to dominate the PFL heavyweight division or steps into the cage against Jon Jones in a mega fight, Ngannou’s journey is far from over.
From his humble beginnings in Cameroon to becoming a global MMA superstar, Ngannou continues to inspire millions with his combination of power, skill, and heart. His story is a testament to perseverance and dedication, both inside and outside the octagon.
Why Francis Ngannou’s PFL Title Win Matters for MMA Fans
Ngannou’s PFL heavyweight championship victory represents a new chapter in MMA — one that emphasizes fighter empowerment and global growth. The PFL’s innovative model, offering fighters a significant share of pay-per-view revenue, positions Ngannou and the league as pioneers in the sport’s future. Stay tuned with Bloom Pakistan
Fans should watch closely as Ngannou prepares for his next fights and potentially historic superfights, which could redefine heavyweight MMA competition.
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