Renan Ferreira explains himself after "biggest problem" comment about Francis Ngannou sparks massive fan outrage

Francis Ngannou kicked off his return to MMA by making his presence felt during the press conference for his upcoming fight against Professional Fighters League (PFL) heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira. However, one exchange in particular from the press conference for the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants clash seems to have left a bitter taste, according to several fans.

During the exchange, Ferreira seemingly claimed he would be Ngannou's 'greatest challenge,' despite the former UFC heavyweight champion navigating a tough year beset with personal and professional loss.

'The Predator' fell short of replicating the heroic efforts from his boxing debut against Tyson Fury and succumbed to a second-round knockout loss against Anthony Joshua earlier this year. Shortly after that defeat, he also lost his 15-month-old young son Kobe due to an undiagnosed "brain malformation."

Check out Ferreira's comments below:

The harsh comments incited instant disapproval from several fans online. ESPN MMA reporter Brett Okamoto has offered some clarity on the matter on X after speaking with Ferreira. Okamoto wrote:

"Just spoke to Renan Ferreira. At the press conference earlier today, he said Francis Ngannou has had a tough year but his greatest “challenge” this year would be their fight in October. Francis lost his 15-month-old son earlier this year. Renan told me just now that he meant challenge in combat, referencing Francis’s tough KO loss to Anthony Joshua in boxing. “I respect Francis greatly and his family. I meant in the cage.”

The Brazilian also took to X to articulate his position, writing:

"I just want to make something clear. @francisngganou is a great man & I respect him. When I said that I was going to be his biggest [challenge] this year I was talking about Anthony Joshua & Tyson Fury, not about his family. I am a father myself."

Check out the X posts below:

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UFC fighters come out in defense of Renan Ferreira after comment on Francis Ngannou sparks fan outrage

Francis Ngannou will lock horns with PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira on Oct. 19 in Saudi Arabia in his return to MMA competition since his unanimous decision win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270.

'The Predator' competed in two boxing contests following his exit from the UFC, dropping a controversial split decision to Tyson Fury and yielding to a knockout loss against Anthony Joshua. During the press conference for the upcoming PFL bout, his opponent, Ferreira stirred controversy when he claimed he would be Ngannou's toughest challenge this year.

Several fans viewed it as a pointed attack on Ngannou's personal loss, notably the loss of his 15-month-old son Kobe. However, several UFC fighters have come out in defense of Ferreira, asserting that it was a mistake by the translator. UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns wrote:

"Bad translation. He didn't say that."

Meanwhile, lightweight prospect Renato Moicano wrote:

"Wrong translation. He literally said he's going to have a problem."

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