Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou of Cameroun returns to MMA after two years out in which he faced some of the biggest stars in boxing to face 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira of Brazil in the "Battle of Giants" in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this weekend. The two power-punching titans clash for the newly-minted PFL heavyweight championship. Following two losses in the boxing ring in which he distinguished himself by scoring a knockdown against Tyson Fury, Ngannou is still the favorite going into the cage against Renan Ferreira who claimed the PFL Heavyweight title during the 2023 season.

MMA: PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Championship

Where to Watch: DAZN PPV

Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Date: 20.10.2024 01:00

After successfully defending his UFC heavyweight gold against Ciryl Gane, Cameroun's Francis Ngannou vacated the title and departed the UFC and MMA to boxing. A powerful puncher who left Africa to pursue pro boxing before transitioning to MMA, Francis Ngannou took on WBC heavyweight champion in late 2023 and shocked the world when he knocked down the "Gypsy King" in the third round before losing the bout by split decision. "The Predator" faced Anthony Joshua early this year but lost by second-round knockout. Francis Ngannou makes his PFL debut on the back of six consecutive MMA wins. The 38-year-old has won twelve of his seventeen victories by knockout. He last lost an MMA fight in 2018.

I respect Francis for what he’s done in the sport, but this is my time. I’m at the top of my game, and I’m not letting anyone take this title from me.

Renan Ferreira

• Age: 38;
• Height: 6'4";
• Reach: 83";
• Weight: 265lbs (120kg);
• Record: 17-3

Brazil's Renan Ferreira is on a four-fight winning streak, a run in which "Problema" won the 2023 PFL heavyweight tournament. The 34-year-old has won his last four bouts via KO/TKO. Last November, Ferreira stopped Denis Goltsov in the second round to claim the title before a sensational first-round TKO of Ryan Bader last February for the "PFL champion vs Bellator champion" super belt. With eleven knockouts from nineteen victories, Renan Ferreira is a knockout titan.

• Age: 34;
• Height: 6'8";
• Reach: 85";
• Weight: 265lbs (120kg);
• Record: 13-3-3 (NC)

Battle of the Giants is very, very real. These men are actual giants. And if they were to have started fighting, I wouldn't have been able to do anything. But, I was there, I was doing my best. I had some form, but they're very strong... I just think Francis has so much to prove here that he's going to rise to the occasion. With a taller man and as strong as Francis is with his solid base I just think he's going to be able to clip Ferreira at some point.

Jake Paul

Ferreira is 3.25 odd to win on Bet365. 1XBET lists 1.67 for yes to the start of round two with a bet against the start of the round priced at 2.13. On Betway, the PFL champion is a 3.10 underdog.