Francis Ngannou announces MMA return as opponent unveiled for huge first fight since bitter UFC exit

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is finally set to return to MMA with his first fight for the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Ngannou, 37, has not fought in mixed martial arts since beating Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 back in 2022.

The French Cameroonian fighter has spent the last year concentrating on boxing, with fights against former world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Ngannou was narrowly defeated on the judges' scorecards by Fury in October of last year in a fight many believe he won, before suffering a devastating second round KO defeat to Joshua in March – with both fights held in Saudi Arabia.

He is now set to return to the Gulf nation to make his long-awaited debut for the PFL.

Ngannou signed with the promotion last year after leaving the UFC. He decided to cut ties with the UFC citing a lack of "freedom" in his contract, amid reports of a dispute over pay.

He later joined the PFL and was named as the chairman of its upcoming African league, which launches in 2025.

Ngannou will now make his debut for the company against Brazilian fighter Renan Ferreira on October 19, with the BBC reporting the event will take place in Saudi Arabia.

Ferreira won the PFL's 2023 heavyweight tournament and had been touted as Ngannou's opponent ever since beating Bellator's heavyweight champion Ryan Bader in February.

Meanwhile, on the undercard, Bellator featherweight champion Cris 'Cyborg' will take on PFL two-weight champion Larissa Pacheco.

"Renan is a great fighter; I have been watching him for years," said Ngannou, in a press release published by the PFL on Wednesday.

Ngannou has spent the last year in professional boxing (Image: Getty)

"I have been studying him for years, in fact I've been telling people to watch this guy. He's quite unique, he's athletic, fast, his size doesn’t impress me as much as his skill."

PFL CEO Peter Murray added: "The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce the highly anticipated return of superstar, undisputed heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, to MMA in The Battle of the Giants against the most-feared heavyweight, 6-foot-8 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira in the biggest world title fight of the year.

"On October 19 live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and DAZN worldwide, MMA fans around the world will witness a true of battle of the greatest fighters on the planet competing for the PFL Super Fights Championship Belts."