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Analysis: Francis Ngannou has little to win but everything to lose in MMA return!
Francis Ngannou. Photo via USA Today Sports and PFL
When former UFC heavyweight champion Francis ”The Predator” Ngannou returns to MMA for the first time in nearly three years there’s a lot at stake for both him and the PFL.
Before parting ways with the UFC, Ngannou was widely viewed as the most destructive puncher in the division and finished seven of his fourteen opponents by KO before the two-minute mark in the first round.
For good or bad, a fighter like Ngannou needs to build his whole career on the foundation of being the scariest and baddest fighter in the world. The comparison to dangerous and entertaining fighters like Mike Tyson is close at hand. However, a fighter like that will fall from the top a lot faster than his colleagues. A few chinks in the armor and the star is suddenly not so bright anymore.
Therefore, facing a guy like Renan Ferreira is both necessary and an absolute nightmare for Ngannou.
The Brazilian won PFL’s 2023 $1 million heavyweight season this past November and knocked out 11 of his 13 opponents. Ferreira stopped Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds, and could just as well land a devastating punch on the former UFC champ as well.
What would happen then?
PFL takes a huge risk with Francis Ngannou
Since signing Ngannou in May 2023, PFL has made a huge deal about having the former UFC champ on the roster. The marketing machine has been busy for the past 15 months, taking wild swings at their competitors and bragging about how much they pay Ngannou and how much better he’s treated in the PFL than the UFC.
If he loses come Saturday, however, the PFL has put all they got on a huge star that’s suddenly not so interesting anymore. I can’t even imagine how they would try to market a new fight with Ngannou if he falls short against Ferreira.
Since boxing is not an option after getting schooled and knocked out by Anthony Joshua in March, Saturday’s fight is absolutely crucial for the Ngannou’s career and legacy.
