Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, recently opened up about why his most recent professional combat sports contest, an MMA bout against Renan Ferreira, was the most difficult one of his career thus far. Ngannou, who captured the inaugural PFL Super Heavyweight featherweight championship with a first-round knockout victory over Ferreira, shared his emotional journey leading up to the fight.
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ngannou revealed that his son Kobe’s tragic passing in April 2024 was a significant factor in the emotional challenges he faced. “I didn’t know if I was going to fight. But the reason why I took this fight, I think, it would be a better way to honor my son,” Ngannou said. “And all along the process, even when it was tough, I always think of the reason why I want to fight and why I’m fighting. And let me tell you what – it’s been the toughest one. It’s been the toughest fight for me. Like, to get there.”
Francis Ngannou Opens Up on His Struggle Against Renan Ferreira
Ngannou described feeling “trapped” in a zone of emotional turmoil that he had to struggle to get out of in order to compete. “It wasn’t just like a normal fight that I used to fight, you know, that you just walk there and go fight and whatever happened. It was beyond fighting. It was beyond; way more than fighting.”
The fight itself was a testament to Ngannou’s resilience and determination. He quickly took control of the bout, landing powerful leg kicks and securing a takedown that led to a series of ground-and-pound strikes, ultimately leaving Ferreira unconscious and prompting the referee’s intervention.
Ngannou’s emotional victory was dedicated to his late son Kobe, and he tearfully stated in his post-fight interview, “I hope they can remember his name. Because without Kobe, we wouldn’t be here tonight. I wouldn’t have fought.”
As Ngannou continues his journey in combat sports, fans eagerly await his next moves and potential matchups, knowing that his fighting spirit and dedication to honoring his son’s memory will always drive him forward.