Francis Ngannou honors late son by knocking out Renan Ferreira in devastating fashion, has emotional outburst inside cage afterwards

Francis Ngannou made a triumphant return to MMA with a stunning first-round knockout victory over Renan Ferreira in Saudi Arabia. The former UFC heavyweight champion, competing for the first time in over two years, honored the memory of his late son, Kobe, by putting on a dominant performance inside the SmartCage.

Ngannou took control early, delivering punishing leg kicks and a takedown reminiscent of his past victories. Ferreira had no answer for the onslaught, as Ngannou's brutal punches ended the fight. It marked a triumphant return for 'The Predator,' who had left the UFC following contract disputes to pursue opportunities elsewhere, including boxing.

The victory was deeply personal for Ngannou, as his 15-month-old son, Kobe, had passed away unexpectedly, leaving him devastated. Ngannou, with Kobe’s name tattooed on his bicep In the cage, broke down in tears and dedicated the win to his late son.

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A look into Francis Ngannou's career trajectory in MMA so far

Francis Ngannou has had a remarkable journey in MMA since his UFC debut in December 2015. He began with a knockout victory over Luis Henrique, quickly establishing himself with wins over notable opponents, including Curtis Blaydes and Andrei Arlovski, showcasing his knockout power and earning multiple Performance of the Night bonuses.

In 2018, Ngannou faced a setback when he lost to Stipe Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight Championship, followed by another defeat against Derrick Lewis. However, he rebounded strongly, securing victories in rematches against Blaydes and a decisive knockout win over Cain Velasquez at UFC on ESPN 1.

Ngannou captured the UFC heavyweight championship in March 2021, defeating Miocic in their rematch. His first title defense against Ciryl Gane in January 2022 marked a significant milestone, as he won via unanimous decision despite a knee injury.

In January 2023, Ngannou parted ways with the UFC, becoming a free agent after failing to reach a new contract. He later signed with the PFL, aiming to compete in their pay-per-view "super fight" division while pursuing a boxing career.