MMA: Francis Ngannou's winning return as 'The Predator'

Francis Ngannou returned to MMA as if he had never left the cage. With his rapid TKO of Renan Ferreira on Saturday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 38-year-old Cameroonian became PFL heavyweight world champion in his very first fight for the promotion.

Francis Ngannou too 'Giant ' for Ferreira

The fight was billed as "The Battle of the Giants". But at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, only one giant commanded respect. And it was Francis Ngannou (1.93m), who is actually shorter than Ferreira (2.03m). The former UFC world champion, who has joined the rival organisation, the PFL, quickly took his opponent to the ground in the first round and knocked him out after 3 minutes and 32 seconds. It was a devastating ground and pound in which he gave Ferreira no chance, pummelling him with strikes.

Read also: MMA: Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira, much more than a fight

Israel Adesanya's reaction to Francis Ngannou's finish. 👀📺#NgannouFerreirapic.twitter.com/LdUiDzMIAQ

— La Sueur (@LaSueur_off) October 20, 2024

At that moment, Francis Ngannou won the heavyweight "Super Fights" world championship belt, but unlike the roar of rage MMA fans are used to from him, tears followed this victory. Understandably, the emotion was a tribute to his son Kobe, who died at just 15 months old.

The finest tribute to Kobe

In recent months, Francis Ngannou has been through some very difficult times, notably the loss of his son last April. Although he initially thought about stepping away, the Indomitable Lion decided to fight for his son by accepting the bout against Ferreira, and he gave everything to honour Kobe's memory. Coming back this strong after such a painful ordeal shows the unshakeable mental and physical strength of "The Predator", who said some very moving words after a success praised around the world. From Jon Jones to Israel Adesanya and even Kylian Mbappé.

KOBE 4EVER ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/LT8lPm8kYN

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) October 20, 2024

"I can't think of anything other than my son Kobe. I wanted to fight for him. I'm happy to have done this for my son. I accepted this fight for him. I hope we will all remember his name, because without him we wouldn't be here today, I wouldn't have fought. I just want to tell you, Kobe, my son, that I dedicate this victory to you, please, don't forget him, please," said a very emotional Francis Ngannou. Kobe should be proud to have had him as a father.