Francis Ngannou’s long-awaited return to MMA is set for Saturday, where he will face Renan Ferreira for the PFL heavyweight title, and here we have the Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira start time, fight card, and where to watch. The match is being promoted as a clash of titans, and with good reason. Both fighters come with strong reputations and plenty of momentum.
Ngannou’s return is especially exciting for MMA fans. He’s been away from the cage for two years, chasing his boxing dreams. In that time, he fought some big names in the boxing world, including Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Now, the former UFC heavyweight champion is making his debut in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and all eyes are on him.
However, Ngannou’s return won’t be easy. He’s stepping back into the cage against a tough opponent in Renan Ferreira. Ferreira, a towering 6-foot-8 fighter from Brazil, is on a four-fight winning streak. He’s also the reigning PFL heavyweight champion, having claimed the title in the 2023 season. His most recent victory came against Ryan Bader, the Bellator heavyweight champion, in a cross-promotion event earlier this year. Ferreira made quick work of Bader, securing a TKO win in just 21 seconds.
Ngannou, meanwhile, is ready for the challenge. He’s been vocal about his excitement to return to MMA, saying, “It feels great to be back. I’ve missed the cage and the fans, and I’m ready to show the world what I can do.” For him, this fight is not just about reclaiming a title, but also proving that his time away from the sport hasn’t dulled his skills.
Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira Start Time, Fight Card, and Where to Watch
Ferreira is just as confident. Ahead of the fight, he stated, “I respect Francis for what he’s done in the sport, but this is my time. I’m at the top of my game, and I’m not letting anyone take this title from me.” Ferreira’s confidence is backed up by his recent performances, which have shown that he’s more than capable of handling the pressure of big fights.
In addition to the heavyweight showdown, the fight card for the PFL’s “Battle of the Giants” is stacked with other exciting matchups. One of the highlights is Cris Cyborg defending her women’s featherweight world title against Larissa Pacheco. Cyborg, a legend in the sport, is looking to add another title defense to her already impressive resume. Pacheco, however, is a dangerous opponent, and many believe she could pose a serious threat to Cyborg’s reign.
Another notable fight on the card is the Bellator middleweight world title bout between Johnny Eblen and Fabian Edwards. Eblen, the reigning champion, has been dominant in recent outings, but Edwards is hungry for gold and looking to make a statement in this fight.
The Stage is Set
The event, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View. It’s shaping up to be one of the biggest fight nights of the year, with fans eager to see how Ngannou’s return to MMA unfolds and whether Ferreira can continue his reign as PFL heavyweight champion.
For those looking to tune in, Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreria start time is set for 5:30 pm UK time (12:30 pm ET). The main card, which includes the highly anticipated Ngannou vs. Ferreira fight, is scheduled to start at 9 pm UK time (4 pm ET). With such an action-packed card, this event is sure to deliver some memorable moments.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images