F. Ngannou (left) is a former UFC heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
'Time flies when you're not knocking out opponents.' This sports maxim seems to apply perfectly to Francis Ngannou. A thousand days have passed since the French-Cameroonian last stepped into the octagon, and the anticipation for his return — even if now in the PFL decagon — is immense.
But while we wait for the return of the heavyweight, now finally for his debut in front of Renan Problem in this Saturday's PFL (19), how about we take a trip back in time and remember what the world was like in January 2022, when Ngannou reigned supreme in the UFC division and surpassed Cyryl Gane in the unanimous decision, in a clash valid for edition number 270?
A Thousand Days of Waiting: What has changed in Ngannou's life since his last UFC fight?
Shortly after his last UFC title defense, Ngannou began a new phase in his career. Unhappy with the negotiations to renew his contract with the organization, the fighter decided to explore new opportunities. One of them was boxing, where he dreamed of facing big names in the sport.
In October 2023, the Cameroonian almost starred in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport when he faced the undefeated heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. In a close and balanced fight, Francis showed great heart and resilience, knocked down his rival, but ended up being beaten by the British on points. The performance of the former UFC champion impressed everyone and made it clear that he had the talent to stand out in boxing as well.
However, his boxing career was not without its obstacles. Five months later, the former UFC fighter was brutally knocked out by Anthony Joshua in a boxing exhibition. The defeat shook the fighter's confidence, but it did not make him give up on his goals.
In addition to the challenges in his career, he also suffered a great personal loss. In April of this year, he announced the death of one of his sons, Kobe, who was just 15 months old, due to an undiagnosed brain malformation.
Popular (and different) champions
Inside the octagon, the scene was also one of transformation. With brute strength and devastating knockouts, Ngannou was the undisputed king of the heavyweights.
By his side, names like Kamaru Usman, Israel adesanya e Alexander Volkanovsky dominated their respective divisions.
Charles of the Bronx only increased the fan base as lightweight champion and 'someone' Islam makhachev I had doubts about what I could do.
However, UFC is a dynamic sport, and changes are constant. In just over two years, the landscape has changed dramatically. Ngannou left UFC in search of better opportunities, and the heavyweight belt went to Jon Jones, which had not even gone up.
Volkanovski, who seemed ever closer to becoming the featherweight 'GOAT' as he moved up a division, was outclassed by the now undisputed lightweight leader, Islam makhachev, on two occasions.
The Australian ended up being brutally knocked out by the young man Ilia Topuria and lost his position at the top. The Spaniard, by the way, was not even part of the official UFC ranking when Francis was still present.
Adesanya, in turn, saw his aura of invincibility broken by Alex Poatán in the same year. The Brazilian, who was also not even in the rankings, became the new star and lived adventures. He is now the light heavyweight champion with three title defenses.
Others, like Alexandre pantoja, Merab Dvalishvili, Belal Muhammad | e Dricus du Plessis They also had their chances and reached the top. They weren't, but they are UFC champions.
COVID-19 pandemic, Lula's election and Russia vs. Ukraine
As of January 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much a reality, with many countries struggling to emerge from the severe restrictions that shaped life in 2020 and 2021.
Brazil, for example, was heading towards the transition of government from Jair Bolsonaro to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who would be elected at the end of that year.
Internationally, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine had not yet begun, with the Russian invasion taking place on February 24, 2022, to drastically change global geopolitics and bring economic and humanitarian consequences to this day.
The world has changed. Welcome back, Francis Ngannou!
Read More about: Francis Ngannou, PFL, MMA PFL, Renan Problem
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