The PFL fight card just got significantly more intense. In a recent announcement, Donn Davis, chairman of PFL, unveiled details regarding two highly anticipated matchups.
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, finally has a PFL debut date and opponent. Simultaneously, the promotion’s women’s featherweight champion, Cris Cyborg, received official confirmation of her next title defense.
Donn Davis Provides Update on Francis Ngannou’s PFL Debut
Ngannou’s arrival in the PFL has been a hot topic ever since he departed from the UFC. As he lost his most recent boxing fight against Anthony Joshua, he says that he wants a boxing comeback. While speculation ran rampant about his debut, concrete details remained elusive. However, Donn Davis’ recent comments have finally satiated the curiosity of fight fans.
According to Davis, Ngannou is set to make his PFL debut in a highly anticipated main event slated for later this year. While a specific date hasn’t been locked in yet, fans can expect to see “The Predator” unleash his fury inside the PFL cage sometime in the fall. More importantly, Davis also revealed Ngannou’s first opponent – the formidable Renan Ferreira.
Donn Davis says if Francis Ngannou had won he would not have fought in the PFL until 2025 Q1.
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 20, 2024
Says Ngannou/Ferreira will happen on PPV sometime between July and September.
Also on that card will be Cyborg/Pacheco.#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/cc8qOVAHTn
Ferreira, a powerhouse in his own right, boasts a reputation for highlight-reel knockouts. This matchup promises fireworks, with both fighters possessing devastating knockout power. Ngannou, known for his thunderous strikes, will face a stern test in Ferreira, who has finished 10 of his 13 victories by knockout.
Donn Davis Confirms Cris Cyborg vs Larissa Pacheco
Adding another layer of excitement to the PFL schedule, Donn Davis confirmed another highly anticipated matchup – Cris Cyborg versus Larissa Pacheco. Cyborg’s dominance over the years has been nothing short of remarkable, with a staggering record of 27 wins and only 2 losses. She holds the distinction of being the only fighter to win world championships in four different MMA promotions (Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, and Bellator).
Cyborg’s upcoming challenger, Larissa Pacheco, is also a star with an amazing professional record of 23-4. Cyborg’s legendary status will be put to the test against the hungry Pacheco, making it a must-watch event for fans of women’s MMA.
🚨 LUTA MARCADA! 🇧🇷
— Mma News Br (@MmaNews_Br) March 21, 2024
Cris Cyborg enfrenta Larissa pacheco na Arábia Saudita. Grande luta entre duas grandes feras brasileiras 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jf3HqrPTHb
The combination of Ngannou’s highly anticipated debut, Ferreira’s explosiveness, and the Cyborg-Pacheco showdown paints a picture of a stacked upcoming schedule for PFL. Donn Davis’ announcements have undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling season filled with captivating matchups.
Do you think the matchups will increase the PFL’s viewership? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.
