Francis Ngannou shares big news about his MMA comeback with Joe Rogan, says he will fight by "end of the year"

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou sat down with Joe Rogan on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast to discuss a few things about the future of his career. 'The Predator', who is coming off a KO loss to Anthony Joshua in a boxing match back in March, is looking to get back into MMA fighting this year.

When asked about his plans with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) - an organization he is currently signed with - this year, the Cameroonian KO artist said:

"We [PFL and I] have a good relationship. I have some fights. I will be fighting by the end of the year."

When asked who's fighting him under the PFL banner, Francis Ngannou said:

"I think Renan Ferreira. He's the guy... They're working on October. It's not finalized yet... But there was talk about October 19."

The exchange had the two discussing when and where the bout will take place, which will be in Saudi Arabia in October.

Watch a clip of the conversation here, as posted by Championship Rounds on X:

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Who is Francis Ngannou's next opponent, Renan Ferreira?

Renan 'Problema' Ferreira is one of the most feared heavyweights in the world today, having scored 11 knockouts out of his 13 career wins. Last year, he knocked out Denis Goltsov in the second round of the PFL Heavyweight Tournament final.

He followed it up with perhaps the biggest win of his career, a first-round stoppage of highly-revered Bellator heavyweight king Ryan 'Darth' Bader in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was for the "PFL Champion vs Bellator Champions" Super Belt.

At 6'8" with an 85-inch reach, Ferreira will tower over the 6'4" Ngannou and will have a reach advantage over him. Their records are quite similar with 'The Predator' having 12 KO wins and 'Problema' having 11. As far as submissions go, Francis Ngannou has scored four in his career while Ferreira has one.