It’s been practically three years since Francis Ngannou final competed in blended martial arts (MMA).

Even for a division as slow-moving as Heavyweight, 34 months is a cage preventing lifetime. Since then, Jon Jones lastly moved up a weight class and shortly submitted Ciryl Gane to determine himself as king among the many massive males (watch highlights). Since his pectoral damage and subsequent hostage state of affairs with the undisputed UFC belt, we’ve additionally seen Tom Aspinall rise to interim greatness in a dash of fast knockouts.

Presently, there is no such thing as a struggle extra in-demand amongst struggle followers than a Heavyweight unification between “Aspinall vs. Jones.”

Subsequently, Ngannou’s place has diminished regardless of strolling away as UFC champion and by no means dropping the belt. He arguably grew his legend in MMA by performing so effectively towards Tyson Fury in his first boxing match, however the Anthony Joshua knockout loss was crushing (see it right here). Add within the horribly unlucky demise of his toddler son (particulars right here), and it was not possible to foretell how Ngannou would carry out in his return to the cage at 38 years of age. Given the circumstances, it’s comprehensible that the need for Ngannou vs. Jones/Aspinall has diminished alongside Ngannou’s standing within the Heavyweight elite.

Final night time felt like a reminder.

Ngannou took heart stage and mentioned together with his efficiency that y’all should have forgot. He reasserted himself as one of many kings in Heavyweight MMA and proved that he nonetheless has a powerful case as the very best on the earth.

How typically have we seen Ngannou face an influence puncher who can actually threaten him? How about an opponent with a top and attain benefit? It was largely untested waters for the lineal Heavyweight champion, but his work within the cage was medical.

Not solely did Ngannou run over Ferreira, he did so with model and technique. There weren’t a ton of exchanges on the ft, however Ngannou nonetheless managed to smash up Ferreira’s lead leg and make him miss. Then, he lined up a double-leg takedown completely, wanting very very like the tactical champion who dethroned Stipe Miocic again in 2021.

Ngannou was affected person from prime place. After preventing off a shock triangle try from Ferreira, he moved into half guard and compelled the Brazilian to maneuver in return by pummeling him. No one can relaxation beneath Ngannou’s punches — they’re too lethal. Sadly for Ferreira, he fell proper into Ngannou’s entice as he tried to face, discovering himself completely caught in turtle.

Keep in mind how Miocic was practically decapitated from an analogous place? Ferreira doesn’t have that legendary firefighter sturdiness. Even via his guard, these pictures slowly stole away his consciousness, and he started to unwillingly droop ahead. Ngannou swung wider and tougher, placing him out chilly and forcing the difficulty.

Prime-to-bottom, it was an important efficiency, in addition to proof that Ngannou stays completely lethal within the cage. A flawless knockout victory after practically three years away towards a harmful opponent — what extra could possibly be requested of “The Predator?”

The query turns into what’s subsequent? I’m optimistic that Ngannou doesn’t instantly return to boxing after his massive win. In that case, the obvious opponent shifting ahead could be Fedor Emelianenko protege and multi-division champion Vadim Nemkov, who’s about pretty much as good as anybody exterior of UFC’s roster.

That’s the form of win that maintains his king standing.

For full PFL: “Battle of the Giants” outcomes and play-by-play click on HERE.