Francis Ngannou makes quick exit after 6ft 8in Brazilian becomes MMA comeback opponent with impressive 21-second KO

Francis Ngannou’s opponent for his mixed martial arts return is finally official.

‘The Predator’ hasn’t had an MMA fight since outpointing Ciryl Gane over five rounds at UFC 270 in January 2022 where he defended his heavyweight crown and has been busy boxing since.

Ngannou is set to fight Anthony Joshua in March in what will be his second professional bout since dropping Tyson Fury during his highly controversial split decision loss last October.

Despite impressing many and earning millions in the squared circle, the Cameroonian KO artist has promised to return to MMA in 2024.

Earlier this week, PFL announced that Ngannou’s comeback opponent will be decided when Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader clash in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

After playfully heckling Jon Jones from cageside, Ngannou watched on as Ferreira made their fight official by quickly knocking out Bader.

The 6ft 8in heavyweight caught Bader with a counter right hand before following up with a series of ground strikes as ‘Darth’ covered up.

Ferreira was declared the winner after just 21 seconds.

Boxing legend Mike Tyson put the PFL vs Bellator belt around his waist before ‘Problema’ got on the mic and called out Ngannou, who got out of his seat to seemingly set up a staredown.

However, the 37-year-old opted against facing off with Ferreira and instead made his way to the exit while the Brazilian was still giving his post-fight speech.

“Francis, where you at?” Ferreira said through an interpreter. “I’m waiting for you, let’s do this. I’m the champion out here!”

Luckily, Ngannou’s snub didn’t seem to bother Ferreria, who continued his celebrations in the cage before resting up on a conveniently placed throne.

A date for Ngannou’s comeback fight is yet to be revealed.

It depends on how he emerges from his fight with Joshua in Riyadh next month, which will be held in an usual Friday night slot.

Ferreira will be ready to go by the summer, but Ngannou may have bigger fish to fry if he manages to pull off an almighty upset to beat AJ.

The former UFC heavyweight champion is yet to comment on his next MMA opponent being Ferreira.