Francis Ngannou stops 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in one round
Ngannou makes winning return to MMA after over two years away
Cameroonian breaks down in tears after the victory
Ngannou lost his young son earlier this year & dedicated the win to him
UNDERCARD: Cris Cyborg narrowly defeats Larissa Pacheco, Johnny Eblen retains Bellator title against Fabian Edwards & Paul Hughes defeats AJ McKee
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We've just witnessed something special as Francis Ngannou marked his return to MMA with a bang. He produced a superb first-round knockout win against Renan Ferreira.
Before that, we saw wins for Cris Cyborg and Paul Hughes but a heartbreaking loss for Fabian Edwards.
That's all from us so get yourselves to sleep and join us next time!
Image source, Getty ImagesNgannou stops Ferreira in one round
YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul: "Francis Ngannou vs Jon Jones. That’s what I want. That’s what you want. Repost this now."
UFC fighter Justin Gaethje: "Francis Ngannou deserves it all. Scary man."
Retired MMA fighter Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson: "Nice finish! Congrats."
Ngannou stops Ferreira in one round
Ngannou is asked for his final message of the night.
"Well, I just want to say please remember my son Kobe. I dedicate this to him. This is for Kobe," he said.
An emotional Francis Ngannou dedicates his win tonight to his son, Kobe, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
He said to DAZN: "I don’t know. I can't think about anything [other] than my son Kobe. I only took this fight because of him. I went to fight for him. I hope they can remember his name because without Kobe, we wouldn't be here tonight. I wouldn't have fought."
On training camp: "It was tough, It's been tough. Not only the training camp was tough but the past two days were very tough. Full of emotion. I couldn't do anything without thinking about it. I told myself to stay strong and keep moving, but it's hard."
On his performance and returning to MMA: "I knew I didn't miss a step. I wasn't worried about it because as soon as I walked in the gym I knew everything was still there. It was just me being able to manage my emotions. Deal with life separately, not mix things up. That's what I have been working on. We're here and we finally get a result. Thank you to my team, my family and everyone who has been here. Some of them have been away from their family for two months to support me in my crazy dream, which has no limits. Sometimes I don't even know if my dream has sense. Thank you, guys."
On taking Ferreira to the ground: "That was an option. I am a mixed martial artist. I am multi-dimensional. That was definitely an option. Since the opportunity was there, I was here to take everything that came my way. Here we are."
On what comes next: "I think my next move in combat sports all depends on me, how I feel. I always think I have a lot to give and I keep thinking that way."
An incredibly emotional speech from Francis Ngannou after his victory. We'll have full quotes for you shortly.
Debate will rage on about this, especially after Francis Ngannou's knockout return to MMA.
Who is the best heavyweight in MMA? Ngannou, to many, is the lineal champion. While others will say current UFC champion Jon Jones is the top man. Or maybe you're a Tom Aspinall super-fan (you should be!).
Image source, Getty ImagesNgannou beats Ferreira by knockout
That is some way to announce your return. Everyone was so intrigued as to how Francis Ngannou would look after taking time out of MMA but he looked as though he'd never been away!
What an incredible athlete.
Ngannou now has the 'super fights belt' wrapped around his waist.
Ngannou beats Ferreira by knockout
Renan Ferreira has a huge amount of swelling on his forehead, just above his right eye. He took some massive punches off Francis Ngannou.
The referee let the Brazilian take far more damage than he should've done but Ferreira is up and OK.
Ngannou beats Ferreira by knockout
Wow! It's like he's never been away! Francis Ngannou was on top of Renan Ferreira and he lands huge punches on the Brazilian to knock him out.
He was so patient when he went he initially went to the ground and slowly worked his way into an attack position.
Ngannou is overcome with emotion after the terribly difficult year he's had.
Ngannou v Ferreira
It's all over in one round!
Ngannou v Ferreira
Finally, the main event has started. Both men land massive leg kicks, knocking each other off-balance.
Ngannou hasn't thrown a punch yet but Ferreira has tried his luck with a massive overhand right.
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Ngannou v Ferreira
Image source, Getty ImagesBeing one of the most feared knockout artists on the planet means you've made the highlight reel every now and then.
Francis Ngannou has six one-punch knockouts on his record, 12 stoppages overall plus four submissions.
We've picked out some of the best below, have you got a favourite?
Ngannou v Luis Henrique - December 2015
Image source, Getty ImagesUFC 218: Ngannou v Alistair Overeem - December 2017
Image source, Getty ImagesUFC 249: Ngannou v Jairzinho Rozenstruik - May 2020
Image source, Getty ImagesUFC 260: Ngannou v Stipe Miocic - March 2021
Image source, Getty ImagesNgannou v Ferreira
There was a bit of action at the weigh-in on Friday.
Francis Ngannou went right for Renan Ferreira, putting his forehead to his rival's.
Only MMA legend Dan Hardy seemed to realise what could happen, as he was the first to try and cool tensions before security jumped into action.
At least we know Hardy can handle himself!
Image source, PFL
Image source, PFL
Image source, PFL#bbcmma, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Favourite nickname has got to be TKZ - The Korean Zombie
Eleanor, Bournemouth
My favorite nickname in combat sports are Israel Adesanya's the last style bender and Kamaru Usman's the Nigerian Nightmare.
Sulaimon Adelekan
Ngannou v Ferreira
Francis Ngannou makes his return to action just six months after losing his son, Kobe.
Kobe was 15 months old when he passed away. Ngannou has been open about his grief, and his reason for returning to fighting.
Ngannou said he wanted to dedicate the rest of his career to his son.
"Yeah it does feel personal," Ngannou said of his decision to fight again.
"In fact I think he's the main reason behind this fight, even though this fight was suppose to happen either way. This fight is for him."
Ngannou v Ferreira
Drake's 'God's Plan' rings around the arena as Francis Ngannou makes his entrance and his return to MMA.
Ngannou v Ferreira
Francis Ngannou loves to knock his opponents out. Will Renan Ferreira become the next man to feel Ngannou's power?
Ngannou v Ferreira
Francis Ngannou's last two opponents Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are household names but the same can't be said about Renan Ferreira.
So what do we know about the Brazilian?
He is 34 and 6ft 8in, which is four inches taller than Ngannou.
He is also heavier, weighing in at 261lb (18st 10lb) on Friday compared to Ngannou's 256lb (18st 5lb).
Ferreira is on a four-fight win streak and won the PFL's global annual heavyweight tournament in 2023.
The biggest win of his career came in February as he knocked out former two division Bellator champion Ryan Bader in the first round.
Like Ngannou, he also carries knockout power, and has stopped his last four opponents.
Don't expect this fight to go the distance...
Ngannou v Ferreira
It's not often someone can make Francis Ngannou look small but Renan Ferreira has managed it!
The Brazilian is a huge four inches taller than Ngannou at 6' 8".
Here's how the two compare.
