Francis Ngannou: PFL Targeting Debut vs. Renan Ferreira for Saudi Arabia in October

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou appears to be on the verge of making his promotional debut with the Professional Fighters League.

Ngannou, who signed with the PFL last year, has yet to make his debut as he focused on boxing fights against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. “The Predator” discussed his MMA future during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast on Tuesday. When asked about his time in boxing and the focus on his upcoming plans, Ngannou revealed that the PFL is working on his first fight with the promotion, and he revealed a potential opponent, date and location for his fight.

According to Ngannou, his relationship with the PFL is “pretty good,” and they are working on his debut to take place against 2023 heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira.

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“It’s working pretty good, we have a good relationship. I will be fighting by the end of the year. I think Renan Ferreira is the guy,” Ngannou said.

🚨 Francis Ngannou says that he will be fighting Renan Ferreira in October

Nothing is finalized but he says the PFL are working on making the fight happen on October 19th in Saudi Arabia 👀

(via. @joeroganhq) #PFL #MMA pic.twitter.com/O7kB1fEFIC

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 23, 2024

Although he is not a household name, the former UFC champion gave plenty of credit and praise to Ferreira.

“I’ve been telling people about this guy for almost two years,” Ngannou said. “I said ‘Watch this guy’ -- very athletic, fast hands, knees, very athletic. I think it’s going to be him.”

Ngannou would add that the PFL is targeting the fight to take place in Saudi Arabia on Oct. 19, although the date and event has not yet been confirmed. Ngannou did mention that despite no plans being finalized, he believes Cedric Doumbe would also be on the card for the event.

Ferreira soared into the spotlight after a successful run in the 2023 PFL heavyweight season where he capped off a three-fight finish streak to claim the PFL heavyweight title. He then began his 2024 campaign with a first-round knockout of Bellator champion Ryan Bader at a PFL vs. Bellator event on Feb. 24.