.png)
Francis Ngannou, one of the most feared heavyweights in combat sports, is nearing the twilight of his career. Known for his knockout power and meteoric rise in the UFC, Ngannou’s journey has taken many unexpected turns in recent years. After defeating Ciryl Gane in early 2022 and leaving the UFC soon after, Ngannou made headlines with his decision to join Donn Davis and the PFL in 2023. However, his focus for the past year and a half has been inside the boxing ring.
With bouts against heavyweight giants like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Ngannou’s foray into boxing showcased his warrior spirit, even though it didn’t bring the wins he’d hoped for. After losing by split decision to Fury and suffering a knockout at the hands of Joshua, many fans have been eagerly awaiting his return to MMA. That wait will finally end later this month when ‘The Predator’ steps back into the cage to make his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira.
But as Ngannou prepares for his comeback, the 38-year-old fighter has been candid about his future in combat sports, even addressing the possibility of retirement.
Francis Ngannou's Retirement Plans
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Ngannou opened up about his timeline for retirement. While many heavyweights have fought well into their 40s, Ngannou seems to have a different plan. He revealed that while he’s still passionate about fighting, he doesn’t want to overstay his time in the sport. The former UFC champion expressed a desire to leave at the peak of his abilities rather than be pushed out by the game.
“For sure, I still have a couple fights in both [sports] left,” Ngannou stated. “I just turned 38, so I will say my retirement [will be] when I start getting around 41 or 42. It could be 40, but this is just in an exceptional case. This time I think I really have to enjoy my time inside the octagon and inside the ring, and then have my last dance and go home.”
Ngannou’s comments suggest that he has around two to four more years of competition ahead of him. He also highlighted the unpredictability of the future, noting that despite his own plans, sometimes fate has a different direction in store.
"Leave the Sport Before the Sport Leaves Me"
Ngannou’s reflection on retirement goes beyond just numbers and age. He’s determined to leave the sport on his own terms, maintaining his reputation as one of the most dangerous heavyweights to ever step foot in the cage.
“Heavyweights can go for a long time,” Ngannou continued, “but the thing here, I just want to say I want to leave the sport before the sport leaves me. I would like to leave at the top of my game. We will see how it goes. You make plans, but then God has plans. We will see.”
This mindset echoes that of other legendary fighters who have successfully bowed out while still near the top of their game. For Ngannou, the goal is to remain dominant in both MMA and boxing, savoring his remaining fights before his eventual departure.
The Road Ahead: Ngannou vs. Ferreira
Before fans can start speculating too much about his retirement, Ngannou has a tough challenge ahead. He will be making his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira later this month in Saudi Arabia. Ferreira, also known as ‘Problema’, is a formidable opponent who has racked up multiple first-round knockouts in his career. While Ngannou hasn’t fought in the cage for nearly three years, his supreme confidence and experience will be crucial in this upcoming battle.
Ngannou’s transition back to MMA from boxing will be under scrutiny, but if there’s one thing we know about ‘The Predator,’ it’s that he thrives under pressure. A victory over Ferreira could reignite his dominance in the heavyweight division, further extending his legacy before he hangs up the gloves for good.
A Legend in the Making
Francis Ngannou’s career has already cemented his status as a legend in the world of combat sports. Whether it's his explosive knockouts or his journey from UFC stardom to PFL contender, Ngannou has consistently captivated audiences with his raw power and remarkable story.
As he inches closer to the end of his fighting career, one thing is clear: Ngannou is determined to go out on top. His retirement might be on the horizon, but for now, fans can look forward to seeing him in action for a few more thrilling fights, both inside the cage and the ring.
Will ‘The Predator’ defeat Renan Ferreira in his PFL debut? And will he manage to retire as one of the all-time greats in combat sports? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Francis Ngannou’s final chapter will be just as exciting as the rest of his incredible journey.
Comments