Francis Ngannou returning to MMA in October

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will return to mixed-martial arts this fall after nearly three years away from competition.

The Professional Fighters League -- PFL -- announced Wednesday that Ngannou will make his debut with the promotion on Oct. 19, facing PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira for the PFL Super Fight belt.

Ngannou (17-3) hasn't fought in an MMA bout since January 2022 when he defended his title against Ciryl Gane, instead taking part in boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joseph. In the interim, he dealt with physical issues and more than two years of negotiations to join PFL, and also coped with the death of his 15-month-old son in April.

Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC), is a 6-foot-8 Brazilian who has fought eight times since Ngannou's last MMA bout. He defeated Bellator champion Ryan Bader in a 21-second TKO for the PFL vs. Bellator Champion Super Belt fight on Feb. 24.

Ngannou, 37, said he knows he is in for a challenge.

"Renan is a great fighter; I have been watching him for years," Ngannou said. "I have been studying him for years, in fact I've been telling people to watch this guy. He's quite unique. He's athletic, fast, his size doesn't impress me as much as his skill."

Also on the fight card will be the bout between Cris Cyborg (27-2), the current Bellator featherweight champion, and PFL former lightweight and featherweight champ Larissa Pacheco.

--Field Level Media