Francis Ngannou Returns to Face Renan Ferreira in Heavyweight Main Event at Battle of the Giants

LockerRoom Team

31 Aug 2024

The highly anticipated “Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” is officially set to take place in Riyadh on Saturday, October 19. This landmark event will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Mayadeen Arena, marking a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment landscape.

Event Details

The event will feature a thrilling night of MMA action, highlighted by two world title fights. Francis Ngannou, the reigning Heavyweight Champion of the world with a record of 17-3, will make his highly awaited return to the MMA octagon. Ngannou, known as “The Predator,” will face Renan Ferreira, the 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion, who holds a record of 13-3 with 3 No Contests. This bout will be for the newly introduced PFL Super Fights Championship Belt.

In the co-main event, the legendary Cris “Cyborg” (27-2, 1 NC) will defend her legacy against PFL two-division champion Larissa Pacheco (23-4) in the Women’s Featherweight division. This fight will determine who is recognized as the greatest women’s MMA fighter on the planet.

Venue and Ticket Information

The event will be held at the Mayadeen Arena, a premier cultural venue located in the historic heart of Riyadh. Known for hosting significant national and international events, Mayadeen offers a stunning backdrop for this high-profile fight night. Tickets for “Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” are now available for purchase through the WeBook app.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to MMA and Vision 2030

Hosting this event underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding its influence in the world of MMA. Since opening its doors to global events in 2018, the country has hosted over 100 events attended by 2.6 million people. The Saudi Arabian Mixed Martial Arts Federation and the Ministry of Sports are dedicated to enhancing the sport’s impact on local youth and athletes. This event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, aiming to establish the Kingdom as a global sports and entertainment hub while encouraging healthy lifestyles and inspiring youth through sports.

Broadcast Information

“Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” will be broadcast live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S. and DAZN worldwide. Additional bouts for the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

PFL CEO’s Statement

PFL CEO Peter Murray commented, “We are thrilled to bring ‘Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact’ to Riyadh. This event not only features some of the biggest names in MMA but also highlights our commitment to expanding the sport globally and inspiring the next generation of athletes.”

As the excitement builds, fight fans can look forward to an unforgettable night of MMA action in Riyadh.