Renan Problema preaches admiration for Francis Ngannou: 'My respect for him has only grown'

Renan Problem was the champion of the 2023 PFL season. Photo: Reproduction/PFL

PUBLICITY:

About to face Francis Ngannou at the biggest event in PFL history, Renan Problem has plenty of reasons to be motivated. In addition to the possibility of achieving the greatest triumph of his career, the Brazilian will receive a million-dollar purse. This is because by signing with the organization, the Cameroonian was able to guarantee that all his opponents will receive US$ 2 million (around R$ 11,2 million, at the current exchange rate).

Faced with the new reality, the heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg), who has already earned US$ 1 million by beating Denis Goltsov and becoming champion of the 2023 PFL season, said he admires his opponent's initiatives to guarantee a qualified purse for more fighters.

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“My respect for him has only grown because he seeks better opportunities not only for himself as an athlete. Not only to gain space in the boxing scene, which we know is difficult for an MMA fighter to do — although he didn't perform well in the last fight (vs. Anthony Joshua) — but it was huge of him to say that his opponent should also be valued,” said 'Problema', in an interview with the North American website 'MMA Fighting'.

Francis Ngannou x Renan Problem

Francis Ngannou makes his debut in the new organization after not renewing with the UFC. Since leaving the Ultimate, the African has had two boxing fights – against former champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua – being defeated in both fights. His last appearance in MMA took place in January 2022, when he defended his belt against Cyril Gane. Francis Ngannou e Renan Problem face each other on October 19th, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.