Francis Ngannou has announced his return to the MMA cage. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion will take on the winner of Ryan Bader vs Renan Ferreira in his next MMA fight.
Ngannou, who was last seen inside the boxing ring against the WBC heavyweight kingpin Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, is set to return to the boxing ring against Anthony Joshua on April 8 later this year.
Fans react to Francis Ngannou’s PFL debut fight
PFL announced in a promo that Francis Ngannou will finally make his PFL debut ahead of the mega PFL vs Bellator event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The hugely anticipated PFL vs Bellator card will also feature boxing legend Claressa Shields and the MMA debut of Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh.
It’s safe to say, Ngannou will be present inside the arena for the PFL vs Bellator event. MMA fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts on Ngannou’s return and his potential next opponent.
Wow this will be a totally fair fight! I wonder who will win. Man you guys have a stacked roster🔥🔥🔥
— Super Fan🇮🇪 | CHIPS.GG (@McGregorRousey2) February 22, 2024
Francis V bader will sell 2 PPVs
— josh libfeld (@josh_libfeld) February 22, 2024
The Predator’s debut with #PFL will be lit. This will be a great show.
— Abdellah (@abdel_ramadhan) February 22, 2024
Do not let Bader in a cage with Ngannou, the man has kids.
— B (@snoopzprodigy) February 22, 2024
Some fans even commented how it would be a relatively more easier fight for Ngannou, who has faced the absolute best in the UFC. However, with age being a factor, his performance against Joshua will again tell a lot about Ngannou’s chances inside the MMA cage.
Ryan Bader vs Francis Ngannou?!?
LMAOOOOO
— Mᴀʀᴛʏs Hᴀɪʀʟɪɴᴇ (@MmaUnderdogs) February 22, 2024
Na Francis gonna need some elite talent to step in there with. These ppl aren’t on his level
L matchup
— Andrew (@AJNowaya) February 22, 2024
They fighting over who gets to be Francis next victim 😭
— 🧊 ᅠ (@OGICEY) February 22, 2024
Francis Ngannou last stepped inside the MMA cage in 2022 against Ciryl Gane in his first and only title defense of the UFC heavyweight gold. Only time will tell whether or not he can repeat the same feat and emerge as the PFL Heavyweight Champion.