Francis Ngannou hasn’t fought in MMA since his first and solely UFC heavyweight title protection in January 2022.
Man, Ngannou’s unanimous determination victory over Ciryl Gane actually seems like 5 years in the past at the very least. The departure of “The Predator” from the UFC roster actually threw the heavyweight division into such a cataclysmic spiral that it’s but to get well from. The unhappy half is that it in all probability gained’t be till subsequent 12 months.
No matter Ngannou’s MMA absence, the UFC moved on with Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones, and Ngannou’s made waves by signing with the PFL and starting his professional boxing profession. Two matches later, Ngannou has but to formally earn wins in opposition to his two pound-for-pound nice opponents Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The previous UFC champion’s identify worth is arguably larger than ever regardless of the outcomes. For PFL as an organization, Ngannou is likely to be its solely saving grace, in line with longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
“If the UFC went away, the PFL would in all probability take up the slack,” Rogan mentioned on the Joe Rogan Expertise. “If one thing occurred, the UFC determined, ‘ what, we’ve discovered Jesus. No extra fights. Good luck. Take care. We’re gonna shut store.’ For some loopy cause. These guys would go someplace. Everybody has a reputation.
“Proper now, the one approach a company may gain advantage — like PFL signed Francis. That’s in all probability the one approach that PFL’s gonna get individuals to concentrate. It’s important to have somebody like Francis.”
Whether or not you imagine the PFL is the “co-leader” in MMA or not, it’s undeniably turn out to be one of many sport’s largest promotions after absorbing Bellator late final 12 months. The roster additions have given PFL a robust roster with loads of thrilling matchups nonetheless but to be made. A kind of is the anticipated pairing of Ngannou in opposition to 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira.
“La Problema” knocked out reigning Bellator champion Ryan Bader in simply 21 seconds in February to earn the Ngannou welcoming honors. That’s assuming he does certainly combat in MMA once more.
Rogan likes the considered the Ferreira bout however in the end expects boxing to stay a fixture for Ngannou going ahead.
“There’s this wild Brazilian dude over there who’s f*cking harmful,” Rogan mentioned of Ferreira. “That man’s f*cking harmful. He’s large and he can strike. That’s the one man [Ngannou can fight].
“Perhaps if the PFL will get some warmth behind it due to this, perhaps if they’ve the cash, I do know there are another nations which might be concerned just like the Saudis, and so they begin throwing cash away. Perhaps.
“Yeah [he’ll go back to boxing],” he concluded. “He’s made a lot cash, however after the Joshua combat, it’s going to be totally different.”
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Between the Hyperlinks.
Sound & Pound.
Featherweight championship historical past.
Full combat.
Heck of a Morning. MMA Preventing’s Mike Heck discusses what’s subsequent for Nate Diaz after boxing win over Jorge Masvidal.
Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or discover one in every of my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re presently actually into. I’ll decide one of the best one alongside my every day selection and offer you a shoutout! It’s also possible to share within the feedback beneath — these are simply more durable to sift by generally!
Sean.
The thought that whittaker will get a title shot earlier than me is fucking wild..
Bro you are 0-3…… With a stoppage lol
I beat each these cunts lol…..
Do rankings matter?! Do the precise factor UFC..
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) July 9, 2024
Umar.
Standing hammerfists about to take over.
Fairly loopy one.
Trade.
Jesus man ♂️ What’s improper along with your ears bredren??? I mentioned September. For the 4th, perhaps fifth time, if you happen to don’t wish to wait, then transfer on. Easy. Cease complicating this. https://t.co/5y2BQs86D4
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 10, 2024
That is my plan after I knock out aljo and after max knockout @Topuriailia i’m gonna make this man humble
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) July 10, 2024
Lol bruuh. He DMs me and I actually informed him Septembe- October the newest. I’ve mentioned in each interview after my combat with Kattar that I wish to combat in September. I don’t know why he’s attempting to say this like I’m avoiding him. I’m the previous champ, you combat after I say so. https://t.co/chD7TSAJPt
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 7, 2024
You informed the Ufc you don’t wish to go to Abu Dhabi that is appropriate i’m keen to combat you in Jamaica OK I’ll wait to September let’s see if you happen to’re a person of your phrase https://t.co/IJLK7aC8qF
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) July 10, 2024
That is my plan after I knock out aljo and after max knockout @Topuriailia i’m gonna make this man humble
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) July 10, 2024
You pulled out of the combat with him! Now you sit right here appearing such as you’re the air everybody must breath https://t.co/7yT9Xncf6v
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 10, 2024
You speak quite a bit for somebody that pulls out of fights, after which fights the best way you do. I’ll make you keep in mind these phrases after I make you my bitch, whilst you’re attempting to carry onto my legs. https://t.co/EJPh9WwF0n
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 10, 2024
Denis Goltsov (34-8) vs. Tim Johnson (18-9); PFL Nashville, Aug. 2
Dakota Ditcheva (12-0) vs. Jena Bishop (7-1); PFL Nashville, Aug. 2
Oleg Popov (18-1) vs. Linton Vassell (25-9); PFL Nashville, Aug. 2
Liz Carmouche (22-7) vs. Taila Santos (21-3); PFL Nashville, Aug. 2
Impa Kasanganay (17-4) vs. Josh Silveira (13-3); PFL Hollywood, Aug. 16
Rob Wilkinson (19-2) vs. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (23-7-1); PFL Hollywood, Aug. 16
Gadzhi Rabadanov (22-4-1) vs. Michael Dufort (13-5); PFL Hollywood, Aug. 16
Brent Primus (14-3) vs. Clay Collard (25-13); PFL Hollywood, Aug. 16
Stewart Nicoll (8-0) vs. Jesús Aguilar (10-2); UFC 305, Aug. 17
Brendan Loughnane (29-5) vs. Kai Kamaka (14-5-1); PFL D.C., Aug. 23
Magomed Umalatov (16-0) vs. Don Madge (11-5-1); PFL D.C., Aug. 23
Gabriel Braga (14-1) vs. Timur Khizriev (16-0); PFL D.C., Aug. 23
Shamil Musaev (18-0-1) vs. Murad Ramazanov (12-1); PFL D.C., Aug. 23
Sadly, undecided Francis will even work at this level. Been a tough 12 months for the PFL.
Thanks for studying!
Ballot
Will Francis Ngannou ever have one other MMA combat?
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