Francis Ngannou says fighting on against Renan Ferreira is best way to honour his late son

Ngannou has won 17 of his 20 MMA bouts, with 12 of his victories coming via knockout, but he has not competed in the sport since defending his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane in January 2022.

He was stripped of the title a year later after failing to agree a new contract, before joining the PFL.

He is yet to debut in the promotion after turning his attention to boxing, losing to Britons Tyson Fury and Joshua in two high-profile bouts.

Ngannou says it was “always the plan” to return to MMA following his defeat by Joshua, but has not ruled out returning to boxing after the fight with Ferreira.

“I’m still looking for boxing matches. I don’t have one yet, I think I even have a few left in me. Right now I’m focusing on [Ferreira]. I don’t know what’s next, but I’ll get this one first and see the possibilities,” said Ngannou.

Ferreira won the PFL’s 2023 heavyweight tournament before defeating Bellator’s heavyweight champion Ryan Bader in February.

He has won 13 of his 19 fights, delivering 11 knockouts, and paid tribute to Ngannou when questioned by the media.

“It’s a great honour to be here. I’m ecstatic with this opportunity and it’s an honour to face somebody like Francis Ngannou,” said Ferreira.

“Francis has had a tough year in his life, but the toughest challenge in his life and in his year is going to be me right here.

“He has a big problem in front of him. I can wrestle him, knock him out, take him down to the ground and submit him.”