Tag: pfl

Renan Ferreira walks back controversial comments made to Francis Ngannou

Renan Ferreira walks back controversial comments made to Francis NgannouAhead of their monstrous showdown in October in the Middle East, PFL heavyweight star, Renan Ferreira has walked back…

Renan Ferreira walks back controversial comments made to Francis Ngannou

Ahead of their monstrous showdown in October in the Middle East, PFL heavyweight star, Renan Ferreira has walked back comments made to incoming foe, former undisputed UFC heavyweight titleholder, Francis Ngannou — regarding the sad passing of his young son, Kobe earlier this year.

Ferreira — who will welcome Batie knockout artist, Ngannou to the PFL (Professional Fighters League), most recently featured in a ‘Super Belt’ matchup against Bellator MMA star, Ryan Bader in Saudi Arabia — stopping him with a massive first round knockout win — setting up his big fight with Ngannou.

Video - Francis Ngannou faces off with Renan Ferreira after emotional outburst pre-PFL debut

Sidelined from mixed martial arts for the last two years, Ngannou most recently featured against former interim UFC heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane — successfully unifying the divisional crowns with a unanimous decision win in Anaheim, California.

renan

However, overnight, the two shared the stage at a press event to promote their heavyweight clash, with Renan Ferreira reportedly claiming that even though Ngannou had experienced the death of his young son this year, their fight would be a worse experience for him — leading to mass criticizm across social media.

Renan Ferreira addresses comments made to Francis Ngannou

And in the wake of his comments and criticizm online, Ferreira has now explained his comments aimed at Ngannou, claiming he was referring to the experience of combat, and not the fact he had lost his child.

Francis Ngannou issues tribute to late son Kobe after tragic funeral he came like a king and he left as a king

“I just want to make something clear,” Renan Ferreira posted on his official X account. “@francisngannou is a great man & I respect him. When I said that I was going to be his biggest [challenge] this year, I was talking about Anthony Joshua & Tyson Fury, not about his family. I am a father myself.”

Commenting on his late son’s passing earlier this year, Ngannou told how he planned to honor him with his performance against Ferreira when they share the SmartCage in the Middle East later this annum.

“FIghting for me is a lifestyle,” Francis Ngannou told assembled media ahead of his PFL MMA debut. “I questioned myself if I should continue or retire, but I didn’t want my son to be the reason for me to do that.”

“It becomes a new purpose for me,” Francis Ngannou explained. “I decided to make a positive out of his 15 months of living. To find strength out of him, as a motivation, to keep going instead of quitting. I think this is the best way

Renan Ferreira walks back controversial comments made to Francis Ngannou

Renan Ferreira walks back controversial comments made to Francis NgannouAhead of their monstrous showdown in October in the Middle East, PFL heavyweight star, Renan Ferreira has walked back…

Renan Ferreira walks back controversial comments made to Francis Ngannou

Ahead of their monstrous showdown in October in the Middle East, PFL heavyweight star, Renan Ferreira has walked back comments made to incoming foe, former undisputed UFC heavyweight titleholder, Francis Ngannou — regarding the sad passing of his young son, Kobe earlier this year.

Ferreira — who will welcome Batie knockout artist, Ngannou to the PFL (Professional Fighters League), most recently featured in a ‘Super Belt’ matchup against Bellator MMA star, Ryan Bader in Saudi Arabia — stopping him with a massive first round knockout win — setting up his big fight with Ngannou.

Video - Francis Ngannou faces off with Renan Ferreira after emotional outburst pre-PFL debut

Sidelined from mixed martial arts for the last two years, Ngannou most recently featured against former interim UFC heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane — successfully unifying the divisional crowns with a unanimous decision win in Anaheim, California.

renan

However, overnight, the two shared the stage at a press event to promote their heavyweight clash, with Renan Ferreira reportedly claiming that even though Ngannou had experienced the death of his young son this year, their fight would be a worse experience for him — leading to mass criticizm across social media.

Renan Ferreira addresses comments made to Francis Ngannou

And in the wake of his comments and criticizm online, Ferreira has now explained his comments aimed at Ngannou, claiming he was referring to the experience of combat, and not the fact he had lost his child.

Francis Ngannou issues tribute to late son Kobe after tragic funeral he came like a king and he left as a king

“I just want to make something clear,” Renan Ferreira posted on his official X account. “@francisngannou is a great man & I respect him. When I said that I was going to be his biggest [challenge] this year, I was talking about Anthony Joshua & Tyson Fury, not about his family. I am a father myself.”

Commenting on his late son’s passing earlier this year, Ngannou told how he planned to honor him with his performance against Ferreira when they share the SmartCage in the Middle East later this annum.

“FIghting for me is a lifestyle,” Francis Ngannou told assembled media ahead of his PFL MMA debut. “I questioned myself if I should continue or retire, but I didn’t want my son to be the reason for me to do that.”

“It becomes a new purpose for me,” Francis Ngannou explained. “I decided to make a positive out of his 15 months of living. To find strength out of him, as a motivation, to keep going instead of quitting. I think this is the best way

Dan Hardy Highlights Difficulty For Francis Ngannou In Renan Ferreira Fight: ‘I Might Wrestle But Then I’ve Got Five Rounds…’

Francis Ngannou is set to make his return to MMA on October 19 where his PFL debut comes with some big unknowns. Earlier this year, in his second venture into pro boxing, he was stopped for the first time in his career by Anthony Joshua. It was a devastating finish after being dropped several times […]

Continue Reading Dan Hardy Highlights Difficulty For Francis Ngannou In Renan Ferreira Fight: ‘I Might Wrestle But Then I’ve Got Five Rounds…’ at MMA News.

Francis Ngannou is set to make his return to MMA on October 19 where his PFL debut comes with some big unknowns.

Earlier this year, in his second venture into pro boxing, he was stopped for the first time in his career by Anthony Joshua.

It was a devastating finish after being dropped several times in the early stages of the fight and we don’t know how Ngannou will bounce back from such a tough loss.

In Renan Ferreira, he meets a fellow super-athlete who has proven his ability to connect with massive power at an unmatched range.

We have seen Ngannou use his grappling to secure the win when he defeated fellow-striker Ciryl Gane but will this be the same version that we see in Riyadh later this year?

Dan Hardy Breaks Down What Version Of Francis Ngannou We Will See On His Return

If there’s one area that is a weakness on Ferreira’s side, it’s his wrestling ability which has been an issue for him during his PFL career.

PFL commentator and analyst Dan Hardy isn’t convinced that even with this in mind, we will see Ngannou lace up his wrestling shoes because it’s not his usual game.

He spoke in an interview with talkSPORT shortly after the first meeting between Ngannou and Ferreira about how coming in with a grappling approach may not be the best idea for “The Predator”.

“It certainly could, especially the psychology around it right. Especially that first round where I mean, it’s not like he’s stepping back in against another heavyweight, like this guy is a legit phenom. He’s a freak, he’s tall, he’s fast, he can do backflips off of one leg, it’s ridiculous. So then you’ve got to think, if I’m Francis Ngannou and I’m standing across from this guy, I’m thinking to myself, ‘Well, I might wrestle but then I’ve got five rounds. If I start to slow down over five rounds, this guy could beat me up with a jab from a distance.’

“So for me, the confident but reckless Ngannou is the real danger on the feet in this one and we might see him go back to his wrestling again but ultimately, I think that the work that Ferreira has done at ATT [American top Team] has really shored up his wrestling and his grappling so even that’s not a foregone conclusion. I think we’re going to get a striking extravaganza and really, honestly, it’s the first one to land clean.”

Read also: 2024 PFL 9 Playoffs: Brendan Loughnane vs. Kai Kamaka III Results & Highlights (7 PM ET)

Continue Reading Dan Hardy Highlights Difficulty For Francis Ngannou In Renan Ferreira Fight: ‘I Might Wrestle But Then I’ve Got Five Rounds…’ at MMA News.

Dan Hardy Highlights Difficulty For Francis Ngannou In Renan Ferreira Fight: ‘I Might Wrestle But Then I’ve Got Five Rounds…’

Francis Ngannou is set to make his return to MMA on October 19 where his PFL debut comes with some big unknowns. Earlier this year, in his second venture into pro boxing, he was stopped for the first time in his career by Anthony Joshua. It was a devastating finish after being dropped several times […]

Continue Reading Dan Hardy Highlights Difficulty For Francis Ngannou In Renan Ferreira Fight: ‘I Might Wrestle But Then I’ve Got Five Rounds…’ at MMA News.

Francis Ngannou is set to make his return to MMA on October 19 where his PFL debut comes with some big unknowns.

Earlier this year, in his second venture into pro boxing, he was stopped for the first time in his career by Anthony Joshua.

It was a devastating finish after being dropped several times in the early stages of the fight and we don’t know how Ngannou will bounce back from such a tough loss.

In Renan Ferreira, he meets a fellow super-athlete who has proven his ability to connect with massive power at an unmatched range.

We have seen Ngannou use his grappling to secure the win when he defeated fellow-striker Ciryl Gane but will this be the same version that we see in Riyadh later this year?

Dan Hardy Breaks Down What Version Of Francis Ngannou We Will See On His Return

If there’s one area that is a weakness on Ferreira’s side, it’s his wrestling ability which has been an issue for him during his PFL career.

PFL commentator and analyst Dan Hardy isn’t convinced that even with this in mind, we will see Ngannou lace up his wrestling shoes because it’s not his usual game.

He spoke in an interview with talkSPORT shortly after the first meeting between Ngannou and Ferreira about how coming in with a grappling approach may not be the best idea for “The Predator”.

“It certainly could, especially the psychology around it right. Especially that first round where I mean, it’s not like he’s stepping back in against another heavyweight, like this guy is a legit phenom. He’s a freak, he’s tall, he’s fast, he can do backflips off of one leg, it’s ridiculous. So then you’ve got to think, if I’m Francis Ngannou and I’m standing across from this guy, I’m thinking to myself, ‘Well, I might wrestle but then I’ve got five rounds. If I start to slow down over five rounds, this guy could beat me up with a jab from a distance.’

“So for me, the confident but reckless Ngannou is the real danger on the feet in this one and we might see him go back to his wrestling again but ultimately, I think that the work that Ferreira has done at ATT [American top Team] has really shored up his wrestling and his grappling so even that’s not a foregone conclusion. I think we’re going to get a striking extravaganza and really, honestly, it’s the first one to land clean.”

Read also: 2024 PFL 9 Playoffs: Brendan Loughnane vs. Kai Kamaka III Results & Highlights (7 PM ET)

Continue Reading Dan Hardy Highlights Difficulty For Francis Ngannou In Renan Ferreira Fight: ‘I Might Wrestle But Then I’ve Got Five Rounds…’ at MMA News.

2024 PFL 9 Playoffs Results & Highlights: Brendan Loughnane Outlasts Kai Kamaka III

The 2024 PFL Playoffs continued on Friday night with the last of three semifinal events in the postseason, and MMA News has you covered with all the action! The Professional Fighters League was back this week, with the championship finals at featherweight and welterweight decided at The Anthem in Washington D.C. In the 145-pound main event, 2022 PFL kingpin […]

Continue Reading 2024 PFL 9 Playoffs Results & Highlights: Brendan Loughnane Outlasts Kai Kamaka III at MMA News.

The 2024 PFL Playoffs continued on Friday night with the last of three semifinal events in the postseason, and MMA News has you covered with all the action!

The Professional Fighters League was back this week, with the championship finals at featherweight and welterweight decided at The Anthem in Washington D.C.

In the 145-pound main event, 2022 PFL kingpin Brendan Loughnane returned for the next step in his pursuit of a second title. To reach another final, the Brit got the better of ex-UFC fighter Kai Kamaka III across three rounds.

He’ll now go on to face Timur Khizriev with $1 million prize money and this year’s featherweight championship on the line after the Russian outlasted Gabriel Braga in the other semifinal

The welterweight bracket, meanwhile, saw Magomed Umalatov make good on his favorite status by defeating Neiman Gracie in the PFL 9 co-main event. That result ensured an always likely all-Russian final, with his compatriot Shamil Musaev beating another Russian in Murad Ramazanov in their immediate rematch.

With that said, see below for the full results, followed by all the highlights!

2024 PFL 9 Playoffs Results & Highlights

Main Card:

  • Featherweight Semifinal Main Event: Brendan Loughnane def. Kai Kamaka III via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
  • Welterweight Semifinal Co-Main Event: Magomed Umalatov def. Neiman Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Featherweight Semifinal: Timur Khizriev def. Gabriel Braga via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
  • Welterweight Semifinal: Shamil Musaev def. Murad Ramazanov via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Preliminary Card:

  • Welterweight: Mukhamed Berkhamov def. Ray Cooper III via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Featherweight: Enrique Barzola def. Tyler Diamond via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Featherweight Jose Perez def. Jesse Stirn via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Heavyweight: Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Kent Mafileo via KO (punch): R2, 4:50
  • Welterweight: Shido Boris Esperança def. Tyler Hill via TKO (punches): R1, 3:31

Shido Boris Esperança Def. Tyler Hill

Maxwell Djantou Nana Def. Kent Mafileo

Jose Perez Def. Jesse Stirn

Enrique Barzola Def. Tyler Diamond

Mukhamed Berkhamov Def. Ray Cooper III

Shamil Musaev Def. Murad Ramazanov

Timur Khizriev Def. Gabriel Braga

Magomed Umalatov Def. Neiman Gracie

Brendan Loughnane Def. Kai Kamaka III

Continue Reading 2024 PFL 9 Playoffs Results & Highlights: Brendan Loughnane Outlasts Kai Kamaka III at MMA News.

Francis Ngannou Clears The Air On Dana White Claiming He Ducked Jon Jones: ‘The Guy Who Control The Narrative…’

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, it’s common knowledge in MMA circles that Francis Ngannou and Dana White have a rocky relationship. After being the UFC’s biggest heavyweight superstar for quite some time, Ngannou left due to contract-related conflicts, and White has never been happy about it. Since Ngannou’s departure, White has frequently taken […]

Continue Reading Francis Ngannou Clears The Air On Dana White Claiming He Ducked Jon Jones: ‘The Guy Who Control The Narrative…’ at MMA News.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, it’s common knowledge in MMA circles that Francis Ngannou and Dana White have a rocky relationship. After being the UFC’s biggest heavyweight superstar for quite some time, Ngannou left due to contract-related conflicts, and White has never been happy about it.

Since Ngannou’s departure, White has frequently taken jabs at the former UFC heavyweight champ. The UFC President has blamed him for not fighting Jon Jones and has discredited his boxing career as well.

In the press conference for his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira on Oct. 19 in Saudi Arabia, Ngannou finally fired back at White’s latest comments…

Francis Ngannou Reveals Why Jon Jones Fight Didn’t Happen Despite His Request

While talking to journalists at the PFL press conference, Ngannou flipped the script and claimed that Jones didn’t want to fight him in the UFC. He allegedly requested the fight multiple times but was told that “Bones” wasn’t willing to fight as he was enjoying life in Albuquerque.

“As far as I’m concerned, it was Jon Jones didn’t want to fight for me, according to them. And so many time that we sit down on the meeting, I’m like, oh it can’t happen Jon Jones doesn’t want to fight anymore. You know, like he live in Albuquerque. He live his small life. He has a lot of money in his bank account, you know. So, I think, the guy who control the narrative can say whatever he wants but that’s just the narrative. I never, I was the one requesting the Jon Jones fight but I didn’t want that like a trap, to get into some deal and get to something I didn’t want.”

As per “The Predator”, another reason why the Jones fight couldn’t happen was his contract. He was down to fight the UFC light heavyweight GOAT but wanted a contract that benefited him in ways other than just money. This included the freedom to box, in-cage sponsorships, and health insurance, among other things.

Ngannou’s relationship with the UFC fell apart when both parties couldn’t negotiate a contract that fulfilled the former’s demands. Instead, the UFC heavyweight champ left the promotion and signed with the PFL.

Continue Reading Francis Ngannou Clears The Air On Dana White Claiming He Ducked Jon Jones: ‘The Guy Who Control The Narrative…’ at MMA News.