PFL Battle of the Giants Results: Francis Ngannou destroys Renan Ferreira in brutal return to MMA, adding new title to legendary resume

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira competed in a heavyweight contest tonight (Sat., Oct. 19, 2024) in the PFL's pay-per-view (PPV) headliner “Battle of the Giants” at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

As expected, it didn't last long (see highlights).

Ngannou opened the fight with a pair difficult Low kicks that knocked Ferreira out of his stance. Both men narrowly miss two huge swings at the start and Ferreira scores with his own low kick. Ngannou steamrolls Ferreira with a well-timed double leg takedown. Ferreira surprised his opponent with a triangle choke, but “The Predator” prevailed and regained control from the top halfback. Finally, Ngannou unleashed a series of punches, forcing Ferreira to turtledove. Ferreira was stuck under Ngannou and was stuck as the former UFC heavyweight champion unleashed a barrage of brutal haymakers.

As punch after punch landed on the side of Ferreira's head/guard, the Brazilian was completely stuck. He could not move and under the hail of heavy blows he slowly lost consciousness.

The referee soon saved him.

It's an incredible moment for Ngannou given all the trials and tribulations in his life and in the boxing ring. This performance also felt like such a statement. Facing a tremendously powerful puncher and a rare size disadvantage, Ngannou showed off his MMA skills with low kicks, head moves and double leg takedowns.

He then unleashed this ungodly power with immediately devastating consequences. It's a shame we'll never see him fight Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall, but Francis Ngannou remains as good as any heavyweight in the world.

Result: Francis Ngannou defeated Renan Ferreira by knockout in the first round

For full PFL: 'Battle of the Giants'Results and play-by-play, click HERE.