Francis Ngannou almost didn’t come back to fighting.
This past weekend, Ngannou made his long-awaited return to MMA, fighting Renan Ferreira in the main event of PFL Superfights: Battle of the Giants. But Ngannou’s return was far from a certainty. Earlier this year “The Predator” suffered a terrible tragedy when his 15-month-old son Kobe died due to a medical issue, and speaking with TMZ Sports, the lineal heavyweight champion admits after it happened, he wasn’t sure if he’d ever fight again.
“Yes, there was a point that I didn’t know anything,” Ngannou said when asked if he thought he might never fight again after his son’s passing. “Everything seemed so fragile. You didn’t know if maybe if it would not happen to you to, if it’s not some sort of genetic pandemic, genetic disease, I don’t know, a curse. If it was just bad luck that was going to keep happening. A lot of stuff happens in your head that you don’t usually think about, or you never think about.”
Ultimately, Ngannou did decide to fight on and returned in good form, finishing Ferreira with strikes in the first round. But though he made the performance look easy, Ngannou says the preparation was anything but.
“By far. It was by far the toughest [training camp of my life],” Ngannou said. “When I thought about retiring, it wasn’t an option, because retiring ... was to put the responsibility on my son again, which is not his responsibility. Then I said maybe I should wait for a little while before going back to fighting but I didn’t know when exactly. I didn’t know when there would be a time that it’s going to go away, it’s going to be OK. It’s just one of those things you just realize at the beginning you better learn how to roll with it because it will always be there. ...
“It was a way for me not only to have something to focus on but maybe do something to honor him, seeing as I didn’t have a chance to fight for him.”
The win was Ngannou’s first fight in the PFL, after taking the previous year and a half to pursue his interests in boxing. But given everything that’s happened to him this year, Ngannou doesn’t have any concrete plans about what comes next, be it boxing or MMA.
“I haven’t really thought about what’s next,” Ngannou said. “I have no idea. Not only will I take some time to rest, because I had a feeling that I took this fight too early. There were too many emotions, I was in a different space. ...
“I’ll take some time, see what’s out there, what is offering itself. Then I will consider something if there is something good.”
TOP STORIES
Promotion. Dana White revealed he almost cut Francis Ngannou from the UFC in 2018.
Stand and deliver. Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway got into a heated exchange about the “stand and point” maneuver ahead of UFC 308.
Beef. Dana White had harsh words for PFL CEO Donn Davis as they continue to spar.
Champ. Belal Muhammad laughs off Ilia Topuria saying he wants to become a three-division champion.
Rules. New York State Athletic Commission set to adopt new MMA rules ahead of UFC 309.
PowerSlap. Paige VanZant penalized for illegal strike in her second PowerSlap outing.
VIDEO STEW
Between the Links.
UFC 308 press conference.
UFC 308 Open Workout highlights.
Dana White scrum.
UFC 308 Embedded, episode 4.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
3 years ago he was telling Jon Jones to move down to 185 to avoid @francis_ngannou and that Jon didn’t really want to fight Francis…but now the narrative doesn’t suit Dana...pic.twitter.com/c8phYK2lLE
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) October 25, 2024
This wife beating piece of shit would tell fighters before every show at the rules meeting to “lay it all on the line” and “go out on your shield” to put on a show and that the UFC would always take care of them.
— Jon Fitch ☠️ (@jonfitchdotnet) October 25, 2024
That was a lie https://t.co/Oott5PMnqM
Merab Dvalishvili really trying to book a fight no one wants.
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) October 24, 2024
Good decision.
MMA Fans … YOU asked us, we listened, and here it is for YOU:
— Donn Davis (@DonnDavisPFL) October 24, 2024
PFL 2024 World Championships
FRI NOV 29 at 2p US ET
FREE ESPN+ FREE
6 World Title Fights
6 Million Dollar Checks
FREE ESPN+ FREE#PFL #PFLMMA
Was a solid win for a comeback, but I gotta get another fight. Sitting on the sidelines since May.. I need a fight. https://t.co/wxQw8QCn8w
— Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) October 24, 2024
FINAL THOUGHTS
People will underrate it because of a lack of interest in the PFL, and the lack of respect for Renan Ferreira, but Ngannou coming back like he did under these circumstances was incredibly, incredibly impressive.
Now, just one more sleep to the big event this weekend.
EXIT POLL
If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Facebook.
from MMA Fighting - All Posts https://ift.tt/wFhxC6H
0 Comments
Dear valued readers,
I am writing to you today as LaPhezz, an international man of mystery with a passion for technology and a fascination for analytics. I have traveled the world and lived in many different places, and I have experienced a wide range of cultures and perspectives.
Despite my travels and encounters with countless people from all walks of life, I remain something of an enigma. My true identity is known to only a select few, and even those who know me well are often left guessing at my motivations and intentions.
As a tech enthusiast, I am always looking for new ways to leverage data and analytics to solve complex problems and make the world a better place. I believe that technology can be a powerful tool for positive change, and I am constantly exploring the latest trends and innovations in the field.
I am grateful to have such a diverse and engaged readership, and I am always eager to hear your feedback and insights. Whether you have questions about my work, suggestions for new topics to explore, or simply want to connect with a fellow tech enthusiast, I am always here to listen and engage.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in my work. Together, we can use technology and analytics to create a brighter, more connected world.
Best regards,
LaPhezz