Renan Ferreira emerged victorious in the recent PFL vs. Bellator event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he defeated Ryan Bader in a swift 21-second knockout. As the reigning PFL heavyweight champion, Ferreira's win positioned him for a potential showdown with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Following his impressive victory over Bader, Ferreira expressed his intention to take a break from the 2024 PFL season to focus on recovery and training for a possible bout against Ngannou. Despite the allure of the $1 million prize for winning the PFL heavyweight tournament, Ferreira is strategically opting to forego the tournament to keep the door open for a higher payday against Ngannou.
Ngannou, who recently ventured into boxing and is set to face Anthony Joshua in March, presents a lucrative opportunity for Ferreira. By avoiding the risks associated with tournament participation, Ferreira aims to secure the potentially more rewarding matchup with Ngannou.
While Ferreira's decision carries some risks, including the possibility of Ngannou pursuing more boxing opportunities, the potential for a significant payday and a high-profile fight against Ngannou outweighs the immediate tournament winnings for Ferreira.
PFL Founder Donn Davis has expressed confidence in Ngannou's long-term partnership with the organization, highlighting Ngannou's ambition to excel in both boxing and MMA. Should Ferreira get the chance to face Ngannou in the coming years, his strategic move to sit out the 2024 PFL season could prove to be a wise decision.
