Brace For Impact: ‘The Return’ of Francis Ngannou

The story of Ngannou’s resolve throughout his life and his career from UFC to PFL superstar serves as the centerpiece. His meteoric rise to stardom started when he entered the UFC in 2015 and rattled off six straight wins, all of them finishes. During his march through the UFC heavyweight division, Ngannou authored one of the most memorable knockouts in history when he wiped out Alistair Overeem at UFC 218. Then it was time for his championship moment.

Ngannou’s first shot at gold came against Stipe Miocic, the all-time record holder for most heavyweight title defenses in UFC history. He fell short in a decision defeat to Miocic at UFC 220 on Jan. 20, 2018, then followed it with a lackluster effort in a decision loss to Derrick Lewis six months later. In the midst of back-to-back setbacks, Ngannou called upon his resilience and managed to get back on track in resounding fashion. He knocked out his next four opponents, two of them former champions, and got the job done in less than three minutes combined. The tear made Ngannou the undeniable No. 1 contender entering 2021.

Once again, Miocic stood in his way. Ngannou made quick work of him in their UFC 260 rematch, as he knocked out the Strong Style Fight Team cornerstone and laid claim to the undisputed heavyweight championship. Suddenly, the UFC had a superstar on its hands—an African-born titleholder with a remarkable life story of perseverance who had achieved the American dream. Having left his home in Cameroon as a refugee, Ngannou eventually landed in Paris and started his combat sports career. From there, he moved to Las Vegas to train at Xtreme Couture and rose to the top of the heavyweight division. He was just getting started with the UFC, or so it was believed.

Adversity struck Ngannou while he prepared for his first title defense against Ciryl Gane, as he suffered a knee injury prior to their fight at UFC 270 on Jan. 22, 2022. He not only persevered through the injury but went all five rounds against Gane, turning to his wrestling while showing growth as a mixed martial artist and tremendous resolve as a champion. Ngannou had blossomed into an undeniable superstar. The only problem? He did not seem to have the support of UFC brass. Movie roles and sponsorships were not enough to bring Ngannou’s star power to the point where everything he touched turned to gold. Eventually, it led to the most significant free-agent move in recent MMA history.

The situation grew ugly following Ngannou’s victory over Gane. He put his focus on getting healthy and recovering from an injury with which he fought with his championship on the line. At the same time, former UFC light heavyweight titleholder Jon Jones began putting in the work for a move to heavyweight. Soon, everyone had their sights on a Jones-Ngannou blockbuster for the heavyweight crown. It would have pitted a man many believe to be the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time against arguably the most dangerous man on the planet. It was a perfect opportunity for Ngannou to blossom into a full-fledged superstar.

The UFC’s decision to rush the timeline on him and then publicize the situation did not bode well for the relationship between the promotion and Ngannou. In the end, the UFC announced it had parted ways with “The Predator”—a champion in the prime of his career and on the brink of stardom. Moving on allowed the company to book Jones against Gane for the vacant title and afforded UFC President Dana White, Jones and anyone else associated with the UFC to run with their own narrative regarding the departed champion.

Ngannou moved on to the next chapter of his life and career. In May 2023, he signed a contract with the PFL that allowed him to pursue a long-desired crossover into boxing. He had chosen his own path. Ngannou received an unprecedented opportunity in his first pro boxing match, as he took on reigning heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Ngannou dropped the 6-foot-9 Manchester, England, native and forced him to go the distance. A 14-to-1 favorite, Fury was awarded a contentious split decision: 94-95, 96-93 and 95-94.

In the court of public opinion, Ngannou’s performance shook up the boxing world, proved he could hang with the sport’s best and put a spotlight fully on his every move. However, judges would not be needed in his second fight, where he suffered a brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua. Nevertheless, Ngannou was drawing massive paydays on the global stage and the respect of everyone around him. He no longer felt like a pawn.

Ngannou’s PFL contract also paves the way to higher guaranteed pursues for opponents like Ferreira. In addition, he was named chairman of PFL Africa, giving him a business buy-in with his new company. Ngannou has become much more than just “another fighter” on the roster, and the time has now come for him to pay back the PFL’s investment.

Ferreira obliterated Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds at the PFL Super Fights “PFL vs. Bellator Champs” event in February, nailing down his shot at Ngannou. For those who may not know much about the 6-foot-8 Brazilian, he has been a PFL staple for three-plus years and won the promotion’s $1 million heavyweight championship in 2023. Ferreira’s knockout power and physical stature present serious challenges for Ngannou. Even with its “Battle of the Giants” billing, their encounter figures to involve far more than size alone. It gives a homegrown PFL talent in Ferreira the chance to beat a globally known commodity in Ngannou.

As far as Ngannou goes, he did not have to look far for motivation. He suffered through the death of his 15-month-old son early this year and understandably took his time to prepare for a return to action. Personal tragedy has given him a deeper desire to fight, as he wants to carry his son’s legacy and show once again why many consider him the Baddest Man on the Planet.

Reference: https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Brace-For-Impact-The-Return-of-Francis-Ngannou-195135