Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

PFL MMA Finally Reveals Francis Ngannou Debut Opponent: Who Will He Face and When?

Originally posted on Ringside Intel | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 2/22/24

PFL MMA has finally revealed the opponent for Francis Ngannou’s league debut and the news brings added significance to their next event on Saturday night.

This weekend will be a major moment in the history of the Professional Fighters League. Over the last six years the MMA league has slowly grown its relevancy and late last year it took a major step forward when it merged with rival promotion Bellator.

In their first event since the merger, the league will produce a PFL vs. Bellator event this Saturday from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The main event for the pay-per-view card will see 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira faceoff with reigning Bellator heavyweight king Ryan Bader. However, on Thursday the league raised the stakes for the bout in a major way.

Will Francis Ngannou finally make PFL debut in 2024?

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

In a press release, PFL MMA revealed that the winner of Bader vs. Ferreira will be the opponent when Francis Ngannou makes his long-awaited league debut. The former UFC heavyweight champion will be at this weekend’s event since he has been staying in the Kingdom in preparation for his March 8 return to boxing against heavyweight superstar Anthony Joshua.

The company did not reveal a specific date for the bout, but with it only being February, one has to expect it should come at some point in 2024. Ngannou made his pro boxing debut late last year and nearly shocked the world in a hard-fought loss to top-ranked heavyweight Tyson Fury by split decision. Ngannou signed with PFL in May 2023 after getting his release from the UFC.

“The PFL is excited to announce Francis Ngannou’s return to MMA in the PFL PPV Division will be against the winner of the PFL Champion vs Bellator Champion Heavyweight Superfight between Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray in a statement. ”Francis is a true combat sports icon with a global fan base and appeal. We, along with the rest of the MMA world, will be watching to see who his first opponent will be, Ferreira or Bader.”

This article first appeared on Ringside Intel and was syndicated with permission.

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