Francis Ngannou Scores First-Round Knockout in PFL

Francis Ngannou made a triumphant return to mixed martial arts, knocking out Renan Ferreira in the first round during the PFL event 'Battle of the Giants' in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ngannou, who had not fought in MMA since January 2022, utilized his wrestling skills effectively before unleashing a barrage of punches that led to the referee stopping the fight at 3:32 of the first round. Following the victory, Ngannou dedicated his performance to his late son, Kobe, expressing that it was a deeply emotional moment for him. The event broke from the usual PFL format to feature 'super fights' with championship titles on the line, and Ngannou's win marked a significant comeback in his career after a stint in boxing. The fight showcased Ngannou's powerful ground-and-pound technique, affirming his status as a dominant force in the heavyweight division. The event also drew notable attendees, including celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing its high profile in the combat sports arena.