Sat Oct 19 23:00:00 UTC 2024: Francis Ngannou is set to make his MMA comeback after a hiatus since January 2022, where he defended his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. Since then, he has transitioned from UFC to PFL and has participated in boxing bouts, including a fight with Anthony Joshua where he was knocked out. Ngannou suffered a personal tragedy in April when his 15-month-old son, Kobe, died from an undiagnosed brain malformation, leading to an outpouring of support from fans.
Ngannou’s return fight is against Brazilian fighter Renan Ferreira in the main event of PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in Saudi Arabia. Before the fight, he showcased a new tattoo on his bicep, which includes his son’s name and a bird, symbolizing a tribute to Kobe. Ngannou emphasized that he wants to honor his son’s memory by staying active and not quitting fighting, stating that it would be a disservice to do so. He expressed pride in his son and reiterated his dedication to living positively in Kobe’s memory.