Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has praised Francis Ngannou’s dominance as the top heavyweight fighter in the world following his remarkable knockout victory over Renan Ferreira at the PFL Super Fights. Ngannou, making his highly anticipated return to MMA and his debut with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), delivered a stunning first-round knockout, reaffirming his status as one of the most dangerous and powerful fighters in the heavyweight division.
Ngannou’s performance in the cage caught the attention of many, especially Adesanya, who has long admired his fellow African fighter. Adesanya, who closely watched the fight, was impressed not only by the physical power Ngannou displayed but also by his ability to overcome the adversity he has faced in recent years. Ngannou’s journey from leaving the UFC and venturing into professional boxing to returning and making such a strong statement in his PFL debut shows the resilience and determination that have defined his career.
“That was an incredible display,” Adesanya said in response to Ngannou’s victory. “I could feel his energy. That performance was for Kobe… People might have forgotten what Ngannou is capable of, but he reminded them with that knockout. He took one kick, avoided a barrage of strikes, and then, with perfect timing, landed the right hand that led to the finish. It was flawless.”
Adesanya highlighted how Ngannou has faced significant doubt since leaving the UFC, especially after his foray into boxing. Despite the criticism and the uncertainty surrounding his decision, Ngannou’s dominant return to MMA has silenced many of his doubters. “People tend to forget quickly,” Adesanya added. “They doubted Ngannou, but now they can see why he’s still the best. Watching him succeed, especially after everything he’s been through, was inspiring.”
Adesanya also compared Ngannou’s place in the history of heavyweight MMA to some of the sport’s legends, including Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones. He acknowledged that while some may still regard Miocic as the greatest heavyweight of all time, Ngannou’s recent performances, including his win over Miocic, suggest that he might have surpassed him. “It’s all subjective, of course,” Adesanya said. “But for me, Francis Ngannou has proven himself to be the greatest heavyweight. Even with Jon Jones now in the mix as the UFC heavyweight champion, I still think Francis is on top. And with guys like Tom Aspinall rising, it just makes the division more exciting.”
Ngannou’s latest victory has reignited discussions about potential cross-promotional fights with other top heavyweights in both MMA and boxing. His performance in the PFL has not only solidified his position as one of the most feared fighters but also reopened the door for more high-profile matchups in the future.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: Ngannou’s dominance is a central part of the conversation, and his ability to overcome challenges both in and out of the cage makes him a truly unique and respected figure in the sport.