Ngannou Driven By Son’s Passing Ahead Of PFL Debut – ‘Write His Name In A Better Way’
Francis Ngannou has plenty to fight for as he gears up for his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira on October 19.
Ngannou will have his first MMA fight since 2022, when he stopped Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. Contract talks would break down as Ngannou signed a deal with the PFL, which allowed him the opportunity to box. He had two boxing fights, facing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He put in an impressive performance against Fury, taking him to the final bell and even dropping the Gypsy King in the process. Although he came up short in a split decision, the performance earned him a top-ten WBC ranking.
He then faced Joshua. However, Joshua knocked him out in the second round, as Ngannou switched his attention towards his MMA career. Before the fight was announced, Ngannou confirmed the tragic passing of his 15-month-old son, Kobe. That raised question marks about whether he would ever fight again.
Ngannou’s Motivation
He has already been a UFC Heavyweight Champion for the leading MMA sports brand in the world. Ngannou also earned enough money from the Fury and Joshua fights, with reports that he brought in a total of $30 million. However, Ngannou confirmed that he had plenty of reasons to continue fighting. He will use his son’s passing as a source of motivation to give him a meaning to carry on. That could make The Predator more dangerous, especially since he has a new purpose to continue fighting.
“The only thing I can do is make a purpose of his existence, or of this loss. You know, make it make some sense, trying to write his name in a better way for him to be remembered,” Ngannou said
He also has the chance to become the heavyweight champion in another MMA organization against the very best. Ferreira is considered the best in the division and knocked out Ryan Bader on the PFL vs. Bellator Champ card. Ferreira has also had a historic rise to the sport. He previously used to work as a private security guard, earning $30 a night in Brazil.
Ferreira’s Rise
He would then learn Jiu-Jitsu, recalling how people would challenge him. While he has not secured the amount of money that Ngannou has made, Ferreira will likely take home his biggest payday when they face off on October 19. He was looking forward to being able to support his family, showing that both fighters have come a long way from their humble beginnings.
“People would come into the clubs smiling, then by the time they leave they think they’re God almighty. They want to face off, test their skills. It was part of my job to just hold them and keep them from messing around too much. I’m part of a very big family but not only that, I do take a lot of pride and I do enjoy helping people, helping my own. I’m now able to help people in a position of struggle who are having a tough time. That’s something that puts a lot of joy in my heart,” Ferreira said
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