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It’s been nearly three years since Francis Ngannou last competed in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Even for a division as slow-moving as Heavyweight, 34 months is a cage fighting lifetime. Since then, Jon Jones finally moved up a weight class and quickly submitted Ciryl Gane to establish himself as king among the big men (watch highlights). Since his pectoral injury and subsequent hostage situation with the undisputed UFC belt, we’ve also seen Tom Aspinall rise to interim greatness in a sprint of quick knockouts.
Currently, there is no fight more in-demand amongst fight fans than a Heavyweight unification between “Aspinall vs. Jones.”
Subsequently, Ngannou’s position has diminished despite walking away as UFC champion and never losing the belt. He arguably grew his legend in MMA by performing so well against Tyson Fury in his first boxing match, but the Anthony Joshua knockout loss was crushing (see it here). Add in the horribly unfortunate death of his infant son (details here), and it was impossible to predict how Ngannou would perform in his return to the cage at 38 years of age. Given the circumstances, it’s understandable that the desire for Ngannou vs. Jones/Aspinall has diminished alongside Ngannou’s status in the Heavyweight elite.
Last night felt like a reminder.
Ngannou took center stage and said with his performance that y’all must have forgot. He reasserted himself as one of the kings in Heavyweight MMA and proved that he still has a strong case as the absolute best in the world.
How often have we seen Ngannou face a power puncher who can really threaten him? How about an opponent with a height and reach advantage? It was largely untested waters for the lineal Heavyweight champion, yet his work in the cage was clinical.
Not only did Ngannou run over Ferreira, he did so with style and strategy. There weren’t a ton of exchanges on the feet, but Ngannou still managed to smash up Ferreira’s lead leg and make him miss. Then, he lined up a double-leg takedown perfectly, looking very much like the tactical champion who dethroned Stipe Miocic back in 2021.
Ngannou was patient from top position. After fighting off a surprise triangle attempt from Ferreira, he moved into half guard and forced the Brazilian to move in return by pummeling him. Nobody can rest beneath Ngannou’s punches — they’re too deadly. Unfortunately for Ferreira, he fell right into Ngannou’s trap as he tried to stand, finding himself thoroughly stuck in turtle.
Remember how Miocic was nearly decapitated from a similar position? Ferreira doesn’t have that legendary firefighter durability. Even through his guard, those shots slowly stole away his consciousness, and he began to unwillingly slump forward. Ngannou swung wider and harder, putting him out cold and forcing the issue.
Top-to-bottom, it was a great performance, as well as proof that Ngannou remains absolutely deadly in the cage. A flawless knockout victory after nearly three years away against a dangerous opponent — what more could be asked of “The Predator?”
The question becomes what’s next? I’m optimistic that Ngannou doesn’t immediately return to boxing after his big win. In that case, the most obvious opponent moving forward would be Fedor Emelianenko protege and multi-division champion Vadim Nemkov, who is about as good as anyone outside of UFC’s roster.
That’s the kind of win that maintains his king status.
For complete PFL: “Battle of the Giants” results and play-by-play click HERE.