Ariel Helwani slams MMA fighter for 'despicable' and 'disgusting' comment aimed at Francis Ngannou

MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has responded to the 'disgusting' comments of Renan Ferreira ahead of his upcoming fight against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.

Ngannou makes his return to the octagon for the first time since January 2022 in October, facing off against Ferreira for the heavyweight title in the Professional Fighting League.

Ahead of the bout, the pair met in a press conference held in Washington, DC, with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who is also signed to the PFL, present as a compere.

But one comment made during the press conference by Ferreira has caused uproar online, leading Helwani to speak out against the Brazilian heavyweight.

During the press conference, the PFL champion, who spoke in Portuguese, potentially made a comment about the tragic loss of Ngannou's infant son earlier in the year.

According to the translator present at the event, Ferreira said: “Francis has been going through a tough year in his life, but the toughest challenge in his life and his year, is going to be me.”

Shortly after, Helwani responded on X, writing: "Sincerely hope Renan was referring to the AJ loss and not the tragedy Francis’ family endured recently.

"If the latter - and I’m told he said the same line elsewhere too - man, that’s truly one of the most despicable things I’ve ever heard in the buildup to a fight. Shameful and disgusting."

Last time out for Ngannou, he faced British great Anthony Joshua in a boxing match in March, losing the bout by knockout in the second round.

And it is this that Helwani is hoping that Ferreira is referring to, rather than the terrible news that Ngannou's 15-month-old son Kobe had passed away in April.

Francis Ngannou's last fight was against Anthony Joshua, who won the fight via knockout in the second round. (Image: Getty)

Speaking about his son at the press conference, Ngannou said: "Fighting for me is a lifestyle. I questioned myself if I should continue or retire, but I didn’t want my son to be the reason for me to do that.

"It’s become a new purpose for me. I decided to make a positive out of his 15 months of living. To find the strength out of him, as a motivation, to keep going instead of to quit.

"I think this is the best way of honouring him."