Francis Ngannou makes quick exit after 6ft 8in Brazilian becomes MMA comeback opponent with 21-second KO
Francis Ngannouâs MMA comeback opponent is official.
âThe Predatorâ hasnât fought in his first sport since outpointing Ciryl Gane over five rounds at UFC 270 in January 2022 â but he has been busy in boxing.
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Ngannou put his MMA career on hold for big boxing boutsCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Ngannou is set to fight Anthony Joshua on March 8 after dropping Tyson Fury during his highly controversial split decision professional boxing debut last October.
Despite impressing many and earning millions in the squared circle, the Cameroonian KO artist has promised to return to MMA in 2024.
Earlier this week, PFL announced that Ngannouâs comeback opponent will be decided when Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader clash in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
After playfully heckling Jon Jones from cageside, Ngannou watched on as Ferreira made their fight official by quickly knocking out Bader.
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The 6ft 8in heavyweight caught Bader with a counter right hand before following up with a series of ground strikes as âDarthâ covered up.
Ferreira was declared the winner after just 21 seconds.
Boxing legend Mike Tyson put the PFL vs Bellator belt around his waist before âProblemaâ got on the mic and called out Ngannou, who got out of his seat to seemingly set up a staredown.
However, the 37-year-old opted against facing off with Ferreira and instead made his way to the exit while the Brazilian was still giving his post-fight speech.
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Ferreira made quick work of Bader to book a fight with NgannouCredit: Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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‘Problema’ didn’t get the chance to face off with Ngannou – but he was still happyCredit: Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Luckily, Ngannouâs snub didnât seem to bother Ferreria, who continued his celebrations in the cage before resting up on a conveniently placed throne.
A date for Ngannouâs comeback fight is yet to be revealed.
It depends on how he emerges from his fight with Joshua next month.
Ferreira will be ready to go by the summer, but Ngannou may have bigger fish to fry if he manages to pull off an almighty upset to beat AJ.
