Forward of his return to blended martial arts later this annum in his debut with the PFL (Skilled Fighters League), former UFC star, Francis Ngannou has confirmed he plans to honor his late son, Kobe as he prepares to tackle Brazilian opposition, Renan Ferreira.
Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion underneath the banner of the UFC, snaps his two-year hiatus from the game in October, having most just lately featured in his closing Octagon outing towards former interim champion, Ciryl Gane — unifying the divisional titles with a unanimous resolution win over the Frenchman.
Taking over former world heavyweight boxing champions, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua within the time since, Batie native, Ngannou would drop the previous en path to a controversial resolution loss — earlier than Watford native, Joshua completed Ngannou with a spectacular knockout defeat earlier this yr.
Francis Ngannou plans to honor late son in PFL debut combat this yr
And forward of his PFL debut outing in October within the Center East, Ngannou revealed he would honoring his late son, Kobe in his combat with Ferreira — admitting he was contemplating ending his profession following his devastating passing earlier this annum.
“FIghting for me is a life-style,” Francis Ngannou instructed assembled media forward of his PFL MMA debut. “I questioned myself if I ought to proceed or retire, however I didn’t need my son to be the explanation for me to try this.”
“It turns into a brand new objective for me,” Francis Ngannou defined. “I made a decision to make a constructive out of his 15 months of residing. To search out energy out of him, as a motivation, to maintain going as a substitute of quitting. I believe that is one of the simplest ways of honoring him.”
Moreover, Ferreira got here underneath fireplace on social media after he claimed he could be the worst expertise of Ngannou’s yr — together with the passing of his late youngster, nonetheless, defined his feedback at this time — referring to his expertise in fight sports activities solely.
“I simply need to make one thing clear,” Renan Ferreira posted on his official X account. “@francisngannou is a good man & I respect him. After I stated that I used to be going to be his greatest [challenge] this yr, I used to be speaking about Anthony Joshua & Tyson Fury, not about his household. I’m a father myself.”
