Francis Ngannou is plotting his return to MMA.
The previous UFC heavyweight champion, who inked a profitable multi-fight cope with PFL in free company, is nearing his debut for the promotion with plans to compete once more in October. Simply after signing with PFL, Ngannou acquired the chance to conflict with Tyson Fury in a heavyweight boxing match, which was adopted by a struggle towards Anthony Joshua.
Whereas he nonetheless plans on returning to boxing once more sooner or later, Ngannou says his subsequent struggle goes to be MMA with expectations {that a} date may very well be finalized quickly.
“I believe Renan Ferreira is the man,” Ngannou mentioned about his opponent when showing on The Joe Rogan Podcast. “I’ve been telling individuals about this man for nearly two years. Very athletic. Quick arms, knees, very athletic. I believe it’s going to be him.
“That’s what the PFL is engaged on. October, someday. They’re engaged on October. It’s not finalized however they have been speaking about Oct. 19.”
Ngannou additionally revealed that Saudi Arabia is the more than likely vacation spot with talks about probably including Cedric Doumbe to the cardboard as effectively.
PFL entered right into a partnership with Saudi Arabia again in 2023 after promoting a minority stake within the firm for $100 million. The promotion debuted there again in February with the following date now apparently anticipated in October.
With regards to Ngannou’s involvement, he initially deliberate on debuting for the PFL at an earlier date however now he’s sticking to his dedication by returning to the cage earlier than the tip of 2024.
“I’ll say MMA [is definitely] subsequent,” Ngannou mentioned. “As a result of I used to be alleged to struggle, it’s been a bit over a 12 months now for the reason that PFL settlement, and I used to be alleged to have a struggle inside a 12 months so now we’re getting a bit out of the timeline.”
Ferreira earned the chance to welcome Ngannou to the PFL after he knocked out Bellator champion Ryan Bader at that debut card in Saudi Arabia again in February.
Assuming that struggle occurs in October, Ngannou clearly plans to win after which at that time, he’ll flip his consideration again to a different boxing match.
“I’ll say more than likely boxing [after my PFL debut],” Ngannou mentioned. “I’ll see the panorama and who I can get.”
If he in the end fights in October as scheduled, Ngannou would return only a month after turning 38 years previous and that’s an age the place he is aware of there’s most likely restricted time left for him in fight sports activities.
He’s actually not placing an expiration date on his profession however “The Predator” is staying life like relating to what number of years or fights he has left in him.
“I wish to depart the game earlier than the game leaves me,” Ngannou mentioned. “I’m pondering like 41. By [then]. Possibly in my 40s, I nonetheless really feel like I’ve it. If I really feel like at 41, I really feel like I’ve it … take separately. What I actually don’t wish to do is get up and go to the health club like I’m pressured [to go]. If I really feel like I’ve it or I’m excited, oh immediately’s a sparring day, I’m going to get there whether or not I beat anyone up or they’re going to beat me up. Both manner, I’m excited!
“If I nonetheless have that, I’ll hold going. As quickly as I don’t have that, even when I’m not 40 but, I believe that’s an indication.”
Ngannou actually isn’t placing an excessive amount of thought into that proper now and he’s assured that there’s nonetheless loads of struggle left in him earlier than calling it a profession.
“I believe I nonetheless have a pair [boxing matches] in me,” Ngannou mentioned with a smile. “A few boxing fights. I’ve a few MMA fights.”
