Francis Ngannou faceoff with Renan Ferreira for MMA return

Francis Ngannou was introduced to his upcoming opponent for his first MMA fight since January 2022 at the press conference on Thursday.

Ngannou (17-3), a former UFC heavyweight champion, is scheduled to face off against 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira (13-3) in the main event of the promotion’s Oct. 19 pay-per-view card at Mayadeen Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

After parting ways with the UFC, Ngannou signed with PFL for MMA fights and also competed in two boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Now, he is making his return to MMA to take on Ferreira, who is also known for his knockout ability.

Following the Q&A session at the press conference in Washington, D.C., hosted by Jake Paul, Ngannou and Ferreira had their first intense staredown, with Ngannou gripping Ferreira’s arms and Ferreira pounding the chest of the former UFC champion.

Watch the video above to see the initial faceoff between Ngannou and Ferreira ahead of their showdown at “Battle of the Giants.”