Francis Ngannou thinks the moment could be too big for Renan Ferreira.
Ngannou (17-3) takes on Ferreira (13-3) in the PFL: Battle of the Giants main event on Oct. 19 at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (ESPN+ pay-per-view, DAZN).
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou certainly marks the most notable name Ferreira has ever faced, which “The Predator” expects to get to him.
“This has two effects: It can be a lot of pressure for him, or it can really get him in his space,” Ngannou told MMA Junkie. “Usually when people manage the hype, they either overdo it, or handle it properly. It has two effects, he’s excited and he knows this is his ticket for the first class. So yes, (it might be too much).”
Despite Ngannou’s devastating knockout threat, two-time PFL heavyweight champion Ferreira will have both a height and reach advantage. The Brazilian looked amped in their first face-off where he pounded Ngannou’s chest, but Ngannou was unfazed.
“I think it was him being excited for the fight, because regardless, this is a big fight, a massive fight for him,” Ngannou said. “For him, this is his first time at that level. I think he’s being a little excited before getting in the cage for the fight. He’s getting a little pump up in adrenaline that might drop down really quick when we’re going to fight.”
PFL CEO Peter Murray said the plan is to have the winner defend the super fights belt, which Ngannou is open to.
“I still have a couple MMA fights, so obviously it will be good to be the defender (of the title rather) than the challenger,” Ngannou said. “I think there is a lot of people (to defend against), even on the PFL roster – right now or someone that is coming up.
“I remember last year when this contract was signed, Renan Ferreira wasn’t even in the picture, and I was telling people, ‘Watch out for this guy.’ Now he managed to prove to people that he is the guy. He fought like four or five times and won. If I wasn’t in his way, he would’ve continued. But unfortunately, I’m in his way.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL: Battle of the Giants.
