When UFC president Dana White announced that heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou had left the promotion abruptly in January 2023, it sent shockwaves around the world.
The French-Cameroonian fighter, whose extraordinary story that had seen him leave the streets of Baite to become king of the cage, was one of the biggest names in MMA.
Yet his exit, a year after he had defended and unified the UFC Heavyweight Championship, came amid the fighter still harbouring a desire to test himself in his first sporting love.
When Ngannou had arrived in France almost a decade prior, having walked across the African continent, he had done so with dreams of becoming a boxer.
A diversion into MMA had ultimately borne professional fruit for the fighter, but he still hoped to one day step into the ring and face off against one of the modern-day greats.
When he signed with the Professional Fighters League in May 2023, it represented a coup - but reportedly came with a caveat that he would be able to stretch his wings too.
Ahead of his promotion debut this month at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants against Renan Ferreira, Ngannou reflected on why he penned the deal with the company.
"Honestly, when the PFL came to me, I was impressed with their first offer," he said in a DAZN documentary. "Precisely because in the PFL contract, it stated exclusively MMA.
"So it’s not their problem [if I had gone and taken up professional boxing]. I wouldn’t have jut given up on that dream without trying to achieve it."
Stephen Dunkley (Round 'N' Bout Media) for Frank Warren Queensberry Promotions
Two months later, that dream was realised, as Ngannou was confirmed to face WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. Again, it caught the world by surprise.
For the 38-year-old, it was not only the chance to fulfil a childhood dream, but to do it with the support of his idol too, Mike Tyson, after he had asked the American for his support.
"I met Mike Tyson four years earlier, where I’d actually talked to him about the fact that if I ever got to fight Tyson Fury, that he would be on my side and he accepted," he added.
Ngannou dropped Fury in the third round, and went the distance before he lost by split decision. Many felt that he was the deserving winner, with the call riddled by controversy.
It paved the way for a second bout, this time with Anthony Joshua, though a second-round knockout put paid to any hopes of an impressive performance for the MMA fighter.
"When you’ve got a guy like Joshua in front of you for a fight, it would be silly to forget that anything can happen," he recalls. "You accept. It’s sport, you know. You move forward."
Still, Ngannou had been able to achieve his boxing dreams - and now, almost a year and a half after he made the move to the PFL, will finally make his bow against Ferreira.
The Brazilian is considered one of the best MMA fighters, pound-for-pound, in the world right now, and is arguably the biggest foe he could meet on the promotion's roster.
Ngannou acknowledges he will be a difficult foe, but ultimately backs himself to deliver on his name, his reputation and his status when he finally returns in Saudi Arabia.
"[He's interesting for a big guy," he adds. "His one-two is like a fire shot. [But] I’m the guy to beat, no question. I’m the money maker."
Watch Ngannou vs. Ferreira on DAZN
Watch Francis Ngannou's return to the cage as he faces Renan Ferreira in the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants this Saturday on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
The card also features Cris Cyborg against Larissa Pacheco for the women's featherweight world title.
The PPV is priced at £19.99 for UK viewers to watch on any device, including Smart TV's, game consoles, phones, tablets and PC's.
To purchase and find the prices in your region click here.
Purchasing the PPV includes a seven-day free trial of all of DAZN's programming across a range of sports.
More PFL
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- Bellator middleweight world title rematch added to 'Battle of the Giants'
- PFL alternative viewing experience for Battle of the Giants with DAZN
- Jake Paul talks Jon Jones fighting the winner of Ngannou vs. Ferreira
- PFL announces launch of PFL Africa