Renan Ferreira warns Francis Ngannou that his return to blended martial arts may find yourself badly for him if he’s not absolutely dedicated and centered on the game, dividing his consideration between MMA and a possible return to boxing sooner or later.
The previous UFC heavyweight champion shocked the world in his boxing debut towards Tyson Fury in late 2023, placing on a formidable efficiency in a cut up resolution loss to “The Gypsy King,” however then misplaced by way of second-round knockout to Anthony Joshua this previous March.
Ferreira brutalized Ryan Bader in simply 21 seconds in a champion vs. champion conflict between PFL and Bellator stars earlier this 12 months to win the ticket to welcome Ngannou to PFL, and they’ll face off Oct. 19 in Saudi Arabia.
“Francis goes by way of a tough 12 months, however [the task] is even harder forward of him,” Ferreira stated at Thursday’s PFL press convention in Washington. “He is aware of he has an enormous downside forward of him that shall be very laborious to unravel.”
Ferreira stated he’s adopted Ngannou’s profession for a very long time and has been making ready to face somebody like him “my entire life.” The Brazilian expertise will enter the cage using a four-fight knockout streak. Ngannou hasn’t competed in MMA since his closing UFC look in January 2022, when he defended his UFC title towards Ciryl Gane.
“It’s a very long time away from the cages, and it’s fully totally different [from boxing],” Ferreira stated. “Francis has executed boxing matches and it’s a complete totally different sport so I feel he’ll really feel the distinction, however he’s a warrior. It’s going to be troublesome for him on the ft, and within the grappling space, as a result of he is aware of I can both knock him out or submit him at any second.
“Many issues can occur, however I do know Francis is an enormous champion and is certainly taking this subsequent struggle significantly. If his head is just not 100% on this struggle, he has an enormous downside forward of him.”
Ferreira stated he by no means doubted that he can be the one to welcome Ngannou to the PFL cage, and used the additional time to take pleasure in a while together with his household and sharpen his instruments.
With Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall holds heavyweight belts presently within the UFC, and Ferreira ending 2023 because the division king in PFL, the Brazilian feels that his conflict with “The Predator” defines who’s the No. 1 heavyweight on the earth as we speak.
“That is essentially the most anticipated struggle of the 12 months, two nice heavyweights with comparable kinds, who transfer ahead for the knockout,” Ferreira stated. “So that is positively going to be a terrific struggle and will certainly outline who’s the world’s greatest heavyweight.”
