The long-awaited Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira fight will mark Ngannou's promotional debut against PFL heavyweight mainstay Ferreira. Google's AI Gemini has put forth its prediction for the much-discussed matchup.
The AI suggested that the fight is primed to be a clash of the titans at heavyweight. It acknowledged both fighters' well-known ability to finish a matchup with a lone strike and their destructive KO power.
Its analysis noted that Ngannou is a former UFC heavyweight titleholder who boasts KO power that's truly explosive, tremendously fearsome striking, and a history of one-punch stoppage wins.
Additionally, it was highlighted that Ferreira is the current PFL heavyweight champion, who's also displayed magnificent KO prowess and power. The Brazilian fighter was deemed a formidable foe with a strong grappling arsenal.
The prediction entailed that both combatants bring tremendous power to the table, but Ngannou will probably have the advantage in their fight. Apparently, the Cameroonian-French fighter's knockout ability and utter strength are unparalleled at heavyweight. Ngannou's deftness at connecting cleanly with a single strike could prove to be the difference-maker in the matchup.
Nevertheless, it was underscored that Ferreira is a lethal adversary in his own way. If 'Problema' is able to survive the early storm and discover his rhythm, he'd likely be a serious danger to Ngannou.
In a nutshell, the fight's outcome might depend on which fighter is able to land a single, conclusive strike. While Ngannou's power hands him a great edge, Ferreira has the skills and resilience that mustn't be underestimated. The likely outcome is Ngannou emerging victorious, potentially by way of KO.
However, it was clarified that the prediction was computed based on the athletes' experience, strengths, and the essence of their combat styles, adding that anything's possible in the fight game and surprises are not uncommon.
Former Bellator champion addresses Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira PFL fight
Francis Ngannou's last MMA bout transpired at UFC 270 in January 2022, where he bested Ciryl Gane via unanimous decision in a UFC heavyweight title unifier. Ngannou departed the UFC in January 2023 and later signed with the PFL. The ex-UFC heavyweight kingpin competed in a pair of pro boxing matches, his latest being a second-round KO loss against Anthony Joshua in March.
Meanwhile, Renan Ferreira is the 2023 PFL heavyweight championship tournament winner. 'Problema' won the 'PFL Champion vs. Bellator Champion' Super Belt by knocking out Ryan Bader this year. Ngannou and Ferreira will clash for the PFL Heavyweight Superfight Championship at 'PFL Super Fights: Battle of The Giants,' at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 19.
Check out the video below:
Former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee, who fights Paul Hughes at lightweight on the Ngannou-Ferreira card, recently addressed the heavyweight showdown. Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA, McKee lauded Ngannou for being a "great dude" and for his work in and out of the cage.
Akin to many others, 'The Mercenary' implied that the Ngannou-Ferreira fight could go either way. Lauding the two hard hitters, McKee said:
"Two really big guys, and all it takes is a blink of an eye, and one of them is sitting on the canvas."