Francis Ngannou resumes MMA career after two-year hiatus

Francis Ngannou, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts, has not competed in the cage for two years, with his last fight being a title defense against Ciryl Gane. Since then, he has transitioned to boxing, where he faced Tyson Fury in a closely contested match, losing by split decision. This experience in boxing has been significant for Ngannou, as it required him to adapt his fighting style and focus on different techniques, leaving behind some of his MMA skills temporarily. Now, Ngannou is set to make his return to MMA on October 19, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will challenge Renan Ferreira, the current PFL heavyweight champion. This matchup is seen as a considerable risk for Ngannou, given Ferreira's reputation as one of the most formidable fighters in the sport today. However, the potential reward of becoming a champion in another major promotion is a compelling motivation for Ngannou. Dan Hardy, a respected figure in the MMA community, has expressed confidence in Ngannou's ability to perform well despite concerns about ring rust. He believes that Ngannou's time in boxing has made him a more well-rounded fighter, particularly in terms of footwork and striking. Hardy argues that Ngannou's excitement to return to MMA will outweigh any potential drawbacks from his inactivity. As Ngannou prepares for this pivotal fight, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his boxing experience will translate back into the octagon, and whether he can reclaim his status as one of the top heavyweights in MMA.