Ngannou Returns Tomorrow! Highest Level PFL Card to Date

PFL Battle of the Giants: A Historic Showdown in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The MMA world is buzzing as the most anticipated event of the year, PFL Battle of the Giants, is set to go down tomorrow at the Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With an electric lineup of talent, fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see their favorite fighters go head-to-head in what promises to be a night of unforgettable action. Broadcast live on ESPN+ and DAZN PPV, the card is stacked with massive bouts, headlined by none other than combat sports legend Francis Ngannou taking on the dangerous 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira.

For months, the MMA community has speculated about Ngannou's return to the sport. Now, with the heavyweight title on the line, "The Predator" will make his highly anticipated re-entry into the world of MMA after his venture into boxing. The bout will crown the first-ever PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Champion, adding even more significance to this colossal matchup. But that’s not all — the co-main event could represent a seismic shift in the landscape of women’s MMA, as the legendary Cris Cyborg faces rising star Larissa Pacheco in a fight that Dan Hardy has described as a potential "passing of the torch" moment.

Ngannou's Return to the Cage: Can 'The Predator' Reclaim His Throne?

In the main event, Francis Ngannou (17-3) makes his return to MMA after a brief but high-profile stint in boxing. Ngannou, known for his devastating knockout power, will face off against a towering threat in the form of Renan "Problema" Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC). Ferreira, standing at 6-foot-8, is coming off an impressive campaign in the 2023 PFL season, where he captured the heavyweight championship. Now, he faces the biggest test of his career as he squares off against Ngannou for the newly minted PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Championship Belt.

Ngannou’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, with 12 of his 17 wins coming by way of knockout. His presence alone in the cage brings a certain level of intensity that fans haven’t seen in the PFL since its inception. After conquering the UFC heavyweight division and briefly stepping into the world of boxing, where he faced off against some of the sport’s biggest names, Ngannou is ready to prove that he is still the baddest man on the planet.

Renan Ferreira is not to be taken lightly. With a unique combination of size, athleticism, and striking prowess, Ferreira has all the tools needed to give Ngannou serious problems in the cage. Ferreira's rise through the PFL ranks has been swift and emphatic, and he now finds himself on the brink of solidifying his status as one of the best heavyweights in the world. This fight has all the makings of a true clash of titans — with Ngannou's knockout power and Ferreira's imposing frame and striking ability, fans can expect fireworks from the opening bell.

Cyborg vs. Pacheco: A Battle for Legacy

In the co-main event, the greatest female fighter in MMA history, Cris Cyborg (27-2, 1 NC), will defend her featherweight title against Larissa Pacheco (23-4), a fighter who has already captured two PFL crowns and now looks to cement her place as the top women’s fighter in the world. Pacheco’s challenge is significant, as she faces the woman widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces in the history of women’s MMA.

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Cyborg is a name that resonates with MMA fans worldwide. With a professional career spanning over a decade and a half, she has fought the best of the best and emerged victorious nearly every time, earning 21 knockouts along the way. Her relentless striking and ability to finish fights have earned her a fearsome reputation. Yet, for all her accolades, tomorrow night could signal the end of an era, as many view this fight as the toughest challenge Cyborg has faced in recent memory.

Dan Hardy, a former UFC welterweight title challenger and current commentator, sees this fight as a potential passing of the torch.

“I very much feel like it could be [a passing of the torch moment],” Hardy told DAZN. “Cyborg has been a mainstay of the sport of mixed martial arts for so long. But her game has always been striking, aggressive striking. If I look at Pacheco, she’s an aggressive striker, she’s got good footwork, she’s got power in both hands. But she’s also got a really good ground game, and I think that’s where she is set apart from Cyborg.”

Pacheco's ability to mix it up on the feet and on the ground may very well be the key to victory. Her 23-4 record includes 10 knockouts and 8 submission wins, making her a well-rounded threat wherever the fight goes. While Cyborg's legacy is already cemented, Pacheco has the opportunity to take the mantle of the world’s greatest women’s MMA fighter if she can dethrone the legend.

Other Key Bouts: Eblen Defends Bellator Gold, AJ McKee Tests Paul Hughes

The night will also feature a Bellator Middleweight World Title fight, as undefeated champion Johnny Eblen (15-0) looks to defend his belt in a highly anticipated rematch against Fabian Edwards (13-3). Eblen, who has risen to the top of the middleweight division with a perfect record, faces a dangerous challenger in Edwards, the younger brother of UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards. Their first encounter ended in a dominant victory for Eblen, but Edwards has vowed to make the necessary adjustments to walk away with gold around his waist this time.

AJ McKee, another big name in MMA, will also be in action, as he welcomes Irish prospect Paul Hughes to the upper echelons of the lightweight division. McKee (22-1), a former Bellator featherweight champion, has been one of the most exciting fighters to watch in recent years. He’s now testing himself in the lightweight division, where he’ll face Hughes (12-1), who has been making waves in Europe. This fight represents a huge opportunity for Hughes to make a statement on the global stage, but McKee’s elite skills make him a tough puzzle to crack.

Full Fight Card Weigh-in Results

• Heavyweight Super Fights World Title: Francis Ngannou (256.8 lbs.) vs. Renan Ferreira (251.5 lbs.)

• Women’s Featherweight Super Fights World Title: Cris Cyborg (144.5 lbs.) vs. Larissa Pacheco (144.1 lbs.)

• Bellator Middleweight World Title: Johnny Eblen (184.7 lbs.) vs. Fabian Edwards (184.9 lbs.)

• Featherweight Showcase: Husein Kadimagomaev (146 lbs.) vs. Zafar Mohsen (145.8 lbs.)

• Lightweight Showcase: AJ McKee (155.8 lbs.) vs. Paul Hughes (155.8 lbs.)

Early Card:

• Bantamweight Showcase: Raufeon Stots (135.8 lbs.) vs. Marcos Breno (136 lbs.)

• Lightweight Showcase: Makkasharip Zaynukov (155.6 lbs.) vs. Dedrek Sanders (154.9 lbs.)

• Featherweight Showcase: Ibragim Ibragimov (145.5 lbs.) vs. Nacho Campos (145.9 lbs.)

• Featherweight Showcase: Tariq Ismail (145.1 lbs.) vs. Taha Bendaoud (145.5 lbs.)

• Middleweight Showcase: Mostafa Rashed Nada (184.7 lbs.) vs. Ahmed Sami (184.3 lbs.)

A Night of High Stakes and High Drama

The stage is set for one of the biggest nights in MMA history. With two world titles on the line, including the much-anticipated return of Francis Ngannou and a legacy-defining bout between Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco, the PFL Battle of the Giants is poised to deliver on every front. Fans will be treated to a night of high-stakes matchups, with fighters from all over the world showcasing their skills in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.