PFL heavyweight title: Ngannou breaks down in tears after first-ever win.

Ngannou knocked out Brazilian-born Renan Ferreria, within three minutes of the first round of their heavyweight clash at the PFL event, dubbed “Battle of The Giants,” to secure the coveted title.

Ngannou was making his much-awaited debut in the PFL after a 22 months absence. 

He had not fought in mixed martial arts since January 2022. Despite his absence from the cage for about two years, Ngannou dismissed the challenge with relative ease.

Ngannou started the fight with some confidence. The Predator, as he is fondly referred to, wasted no time in establishing control. The Cameroonian secured a takedown early in the first round.

That early takedown marked the beginning of the end for Ferreira as he threw up a sub attempt. 

Ngannou maintained top position, got behind Ferreira, back, and began to rain punches on his Brazilian rival.

Ferriera, the PFL’s 2023 global league heavyweight champion, did not defend himself as Ngannou continued to unleash deadly blows on him until the referee was forced to stop the fight with 88 seconds left in the first round.

Reacting to his win, Ngannou disclosed that he remained poised for victory from the outset. Ngannou revealed the recipe behind the win and hinted on his next step after his recent triumph.

“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,” Ngannou said.

Ngannou added: “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”.

Ngannou dedicates victory to late son

After his remarkable win, Ngannou dedicated the victory to his late 15-month- old son, Kobe, who passed away in April.

The 38-year-old said: “I can't think about anything [other] than my son, Kobe. I only took this fight because of him”.

Ngannou added: “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”.

Several personalities have been reacting to Ngannou’s victory. 

Vocal opposition leader and president of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, CRM, Prof Maurice Kamto wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “Congratulation to our champion, Francis Ngannou, on his brilliant victory. You are a source of pride for Cameroon and indeed for Africa, and a source of inspiration for a whole generation. Let’s keep working hard to reach the top. And well-done champion”.

Also, the captain of the French national team and Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappe, on his part, said “Le Continent. Respect to my brother, Francis Ngannou. For Kobe”.

American mixed martial artist and current UFC Heavyweight champion, John Jones, praised Ngannou’s performance. 

He said: “What an incredible work Francis did tonight. He showed a complete MMA game. Great kicks, great takedowns. Good to see him shine. Wow, congratulations champ. I see you”. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3266 of Monday October 21, 2024