Francis Ngannou dominates MMA return, KO’s Ferreira in round 1

Francis Ngannou beat Renan Ferreira by way of first-round knockout in their PFL heavyweight title fight on Saturday night in Riyadh.

In what was Ngannou’s first MMA fight since January 2022, the Cameroonian was in control throughout, beginning with some heavy leg kicks before landing a takedown early on.

Ferreira attempted a triangle submission, but was thwarted by Ngannou who soon got the Brazilian’s back and began raining down heavy blows on the 34-year-old.

With Ferreira unable to continue defending himself, referee Dan Miragliotta called time on the fight just three and a half minutes into the first round.

“I can’t think about anything but my son,” Ngannou said after the fight.

“I took this fight for Kobe.

“Please remember my son.

“I hope people remember his name, because without Kobe we wouldn’t be here tonight, I wouldn’t have fought.”

Ngannou’s 15-month-old son unexpectedly passed away earlier this year.

“It has been tough.,” he continued.

“Not only the training camp but the past few days have been full of emotion.

“I couldn’t do anything without thinking about it.

“I tried to be strong and give everything to keep moving but it’s hard.”

Coming into his PFL debut, the former UFC heavyweight champion was a strong favourite to win at the top UFC bookamkers, paying $1.40 to Ferreira’s $3.20 in outright winner odds.

The nature of his victory has elicited plenty of praise from the fight community, however, with the likes of Jake Paul, Justin Gaethje and Belal Muhammad taking to social media after the fight.

“Francis Ngannou deserves it all. Scary man,” said Gathje.

“So happy for Francis,” posted Muhammad.

“One of the great stories ever in sports is Francis Ngannou,” said Paul.

“Let’s f***ing go Francis.

“The real f***ing heavyweight champ!”

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