Francis Ngannou knocks out Renan Ferreira late in first round at PFL event

Francis Ngannou defeated Renan Ferreira via knockout late in the first round, though Netflix broadcasting did not provide a clear replay of whether an uppercut landed cleanly. Alternative footage shot on a phone also failed to definitively show the connection, but the knockout came after Ngannou connected with a left hand that left Ferreira disoriented and falling. Ferreira, who has never been considered near-elite level, weighed only 100 kg at the weigh-in, making Ngannou 16 kg heavier—the largest weight advantage Ngannou has ever had in a fight. While some might view the 4.5-minute finish as relatively slow given that Ngannu has finished more dangerous opponents faster, the fight duration was due to clinch work and ground control rather than competitive standup exchanges, as all striking exchanges ended badly for Ferreira. The author concludes that Ngannou looked good both physically and competitively, making it more regrettable that his fight with Vadim Nemkov did not materialize.