Francis Ngannou says fight with Renan Ferreira is best way to honour late son

Ngannou has won 17 of his 20 MMA fights, with 12 of those wins coming by knockout, but he has not competed in the sport since January 2022 when he challenged Cyril Gaine for the UFC heavyweight title.

He was stripped of his title a year later after failing to agree a new contract, and subsequently joined the PFL.

He is yet to make his debut in the sport after turning his attention to boxing, losing to Britain’s Tyson Fury and Joshua in two high-profile bouts.

Ngannou said it was “always the plan” to return to mixed martial arts after his loss to Joshua, but he also did not rule out a return to boxing after the Ferreira fight.

“I’m still looking for boxing fights. I don’t have one yet, I think I even have a few left. Right now I’m focused on (Ferreira). I don’t know what’s next, but I’ll take this fight first and see if it’s possible,” Ngannou said.

Ferreira won the PFL 2023 Heavyweight Championship and then defeated Bellator Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader in February.

He has won 13 of his 19 fights, 11 of which were by knockout, and paid tribute to Ngannou in a media interview.

“It’s an honor to be here. I’m glad to have this opportunity and it’s an honor to fight a fighter like Francis Ngannou,” said Ferreira.

“Francis has had a difficult year of his life, but the toughest challenge of his life and this year will be me.

“He’s got a big problem in front of him. I can fight him, knock him out, knock him to the ground, and subdue him.”