Francis Ngannou wins PFL Heavyweight title with first-round victory over Renan Ferreira

Cameroonian MMA star Francis Ngannou is the new PFL heavyweight champion after defeating Renan Ferreira in dominant fashion at the PFL Battle of the Giants main event in Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena. Ngannou made a powerful return to mixed martial arts, finishing Ferreira in the first round.

The former UFC heavyweight champion wasted no time establishing control, landing heavy low kicks early in the fight. He followed with a well-executed double-leg takedown, setting the tone for what would be a quick and decisive match.

At 3:22 in the first round, Ngannou secured victory with a brutal ground-and-pound assault, overpowering Ferreira’s attempt at a triangle choke. With the win, Ngannou claimed his first PFL Super Fight title.

The victory was more than just a professional achievement for Ngannou. In a tearful post-fight interview, the Cameroonian fighter dedicated the win to his late son, Kobe, who tragically passed away at just 15 months old.

“This win is for Kobe,” Ngannou said, his voice breaking with emotion.

Before his return to MMA, Ngannou took an unexpected detour into boxing, facing elite opponents Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Despite a split-decision loss to Fury and a knockout defeat by Joshua, Ngannou’s boxing ventures marked another important chapter in his career.

Now back in the cage, Ngannou’s PFL victory signals a fresh beginning for the heavyweight star, as he continues to build his legacy across multiple combat sports.