Ngannou vs Ferreira: Ngannou stops heavyweight in first round of MMA return at PFL Super Fights

An emotional Francis Ngannou made his comeback to mixed martial arts by defeating Renan Ferreira in the first round at the PFL Super Fights event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Cameroon's Ngannou delivered a powerful knockout to Ferreira with intense ground punches in his first MMA fight in almost three years.

The 38-year-old was emotional as he dedicated his win to his young son, Kobe, who tragically died earlier this year at just 15 months old.

"I can’t focus on anything except my son Kobe. I agreed to this fight solely for him," Ngannou stated.

"I stood up for him. I really hope his name stays in their minds because without Kobe, we wouldn't be in this moment. I wouldn't have taken a stand."

Since departing from the UFC as the heavyweight champion 22 months ago, Ngannou has emerged as a major figure in the world of combat sports, captivating audiences with high-profile boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

However, he has firmly maintained leading up to this fight that he has "never departed from MMA" and has always intended to return to the octagon.

Ngannou thought about retiring earlier this year, but he decided to keep fighting to pay tribute to him.

In his first appearance in the PFL, the organization capitalized on the revenue generated by their top star by structuring the event around Ngannou and introducing special 'Super Fight belts' to commemorate the occasion.

Lauded as the "genuine heavyweight MMA champion" due to his UFC title being taken away after he departed from the organization early last year, Ngannou kicked off the fight, dubbed 'the Battle of the Giants', with a leg kick that shook Ferreira.

Ferreira, the heavyweight champion of the PFL's 2023 global league, answered with a leg kick, but he quickly found himself on the defensive when Ngannou managed to take him down.

After fending off a triangle choke attempt, Ngannou gained the upper hand, elevating himself and delivering a flurry of punches to an unable Ferreira on the ground.

Since the Brazilian wasn't able to defend himself, the referee halted the fight while an overwhelmed Ngannou leaned against the cage, collecting his thoughts in a moment of triumph.

"I was confident that I hadn’t overlooked anything. I felt at ease because the moment I entered the gym, I realized that everything was just as I remembered it," Ngannou explained.

“I've been focusing on finding a way to handle my feelings better. It’s about tackling life’s challenges one at a time instead of letting everything blend together. That’s what I’ve been striving to improve.”

"I believe my next step in combat sports will be determined by my own feelings and mindset. I constantly feel that I still have much to offer, and I continue to maintain that belief."

The event featured a flashy opening ceremony, which is characteristic of major sporting events held in Saudi Arabia lately.

The national flags of each fighter were proudly displayed as they made their way to the cage, culminating with the playing of the Saudi Arabian national anthem. Meanwhile, international celebrities like Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo looked on.

The nation still encounters criticism for using sports as a way to distract from its troubled human rights history, a practice commonly referred to as 'sportswashing.'

In the co-main event, Brazil's Cris Cyborg secured victory over her fellow countrywoman Larissa Pacheco with a unanimous decision after a tough and competitive match.

In a match that saw the lead shift back and forth several times, Cyborg, at 39 years old, showcased her aggressive style while solidifying her status as one of the greatest female MMA fighters of all time.

The match was promoted as a clash between champions, featuring Cyborg, who currently holds the Bellator featherweight title, and Pacheco, the winner of the 2023 PFL featherweight global league.

Before the fight, Cyborg referred to the event as her "legacy tour," and Pacheco challenged her in a way that few opponents have managed to do.

Over an impressive 19-year career filled with championship wins in various promotions, she has achieved 28 victories, suffered only two losses, and has remained unbeaten since 2018.

The opening round was full of excitement, with Cyborg executing two takedowns alongside a powerful kick to the head.

Throughout the match, Pacheco demonstrated incredible resilience by fighting back aggressively, managing to cut the skin above both of Cyborg's eyebrows.

Cyborg remained unfazed, showcasing a striking spinning backfist followed by another successful takedown. However, in the third round, Pacheco managed to turn the tide in her favor.

Pacheco mocked a still Cyborg, urging her to get involved in the middle of the cage. She then successfully took her down and dominated the fight on the ground.

In a tough match, Cyborg began to hold back her attacks for quick bursts as she charged forward several times, delivering a series of blows. However, Pacheco managed to bounce back once again as the fight moved into the last round.

In the final moments of the fight, Cyborg threw a few powerful punches, but when the bell rang, both fighters lifted their arms, confident that they had done enough to win.

When the judges announced their scores, Cyborg emerged as the winner and was presented with a commemorative belt, marking the fifth championship of her impressive career.

"Cyborg praised Larissa, calling her a sports icon known for her powerful punches and exceptional fighting skills. 'It's an honor to work with her,' she added."

"I'm truly grateful and fortunate. The time difference has been quite challenging for me. I've got two more bouts ahead, and my goal is to defend this title."