"Actually a disgusting thing to say tbh" - Fans enraged over Renan Ferreira's "biggest problem of his year" comment aimed at Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou is set to make his highly-anticipated return to mixed martial arts when he faces PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in the main event of PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants. 'The Predator', who has not competed in the sport in nearly three years, has had a tough year from a personal standpoint as he announced the loss of his 15-month-old son Kobe Ngannou in April.

'Problema' recently suggested that he would be the biggest challenge of the former UFC heavyweight champion's year. Speaking at the first press conference for the event, which took place in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Ferreira stated:

"Francis has been going through a tough year in his life, but the toughest challenge in his life and in his year is going to be me. I'm going to be the biggest problem of his year right now. A tough puzzle for him to figure out."

Check out Renan Ferreira's comments on Francis Ngannou below:

His comments drew the ire of the mixed martial arts community, who were quick to call him out. @ITSDAFANTA labeled his comments as disgusting, stating:

"Actually a disgusting thing to say tbh"

@SmegmaOnToast69 hopes that Ngannou can put his opponent away quickly following his comments:

"That's disrespectful as s**t I can't wait to see him flatlined in the first"

@UFC_Obsessed shared that she would not mind seeing Ferreira unconscious for some time:

"One of those instances where I won’t be too concerned if he takes a while waking up lol"

@ItsTheKoB noted that 'Problema' is going about selling the fight the wrong way:

"I'm all for selling fights but maaaaaan that's low.."

Meanwhile, Brazilian reporter Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting suggested that Ferreira may have been pointing to Ngannou's boxing loss to Anthony Joshua:

"Not word for word but in general, he said that. However, I think he was referring to Ngannou's loss in boxing earlier this year. The question never mentioned Ngannou's son, it was more on Francis fighting style and wrestling and etc."

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

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Francis Ngannou discusses his motivation for fighting for her late son Kobe

Francis Ngannou announced the passing of his son Kobe Ngannou in April. While he nearly retired from combat sports, 'The Predator' has used the loss as motivation to continue his career. He discussed that while shedding tears at the press conference for PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants, stating:

"Lately, things been a little tough. I even questioned if I have to continue or if I should just hang up the gloves and stuff, but then I realized that that should be a purpose for me. I didn't have a chance to fight for my son, man, so I think this is it."

Check out Francis Ngannou's comments on fighting for his son below:

Francis Ngannou's return will mark his first mixed martial arts bout since defeating Ciryl Gane via unanimous decision at UFC 270 in January 2022. It will also mark his promotional debut in the PFL nearly a year and a half after he signed with the company. He has taken two boxing matches to remain active in the time since.