Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is set to make his highly anticipated MMA return on October 19th, facing off against 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira. Meanwhile, Mike Tyson has recently shared some behind-the-scenes training footage from last year, showcasing his efforts to prepare ‘The Predator’ for his boxing showdown against Tyson Fury.

The Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist last competed in MMA in January 2022 at UFC 270, where he defended his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. Following this victory, Ngannou parted ways with the UFC to pursue a brief but unforgettable foray into boxing. He squared off against former world champion Tyson Fury in a bout that ended in a razor-thin split-decision loss for the Cameroonian powerhouse.

Despite the setback, Ngannou didn’t give up on his boxing aspirations and went on to face former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Unfortunately, his luck ran out as he suffered a devastating knockout in the second round of their ten-round bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fast forward to today, Ngannou is returning to his roots in MMA, stepping into the PFL ring after signing a deal with the promotion in May 2023. 

Amid the buzz surrounding Ngannou’s return, Mike Tyson added to the excitement by sharing a two-part training video on YouTube. The first part, uploaded in June, featured a behind-the-scenes look at Tyson’s intense training session with Ngannou. In the second part, Tyson delves deeper, revealing the strategies and techniques he instilled in Ngannou that nearly led to an upset victory over Tyson Fury in their fight last year.

The YT video showcases Tyson guiding Ngannou through a training regimen, including heavy bag work, pad drills, and refining his overall technique. Tyson emphasized on improving Ngannou’s punching power and precision through intense, focused sessions. Stoking a fire in Ngannou, Mike Tyson said, “You have to have brains to be the heavyweight champion. You just can’t win because you are big and strong. [There are] levels to this stuff, man. The strongest guy doesn’t always win. This is a smart man’s sport, only the smartest win.”

Mike Tyson further added, “He’s been in the ring before. He knows the in and out about fighting. And it’s just that we had to transfer that because he’s using his legs and elbows and everything, grabbing. So we kind of… I don’t know… [Do] a new foundation and made him more elusive.”

Those lessons clearly served Ngannou well in his endeavor as he inched closer to a victory in his very first boxing match, that too against a lineal heavyweight champion and one of the best to ever do it. But will those lessons from Mike Tyson help him once again come October when he returns to the cage? His past training aside, Ngannou’s coach has suggested his upcoming bout is anything but a soft comeback for the Cameroonian.

Eric Nicksick breaks down Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira

Ngannou’s trainer and Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick isn’t blind to the threat Renan Ferreira presents. Despite the dangers Ferreira brings to the cage, Nicksick remains confident in Ngannou’s abilities. According to a report from MMA Junkie, “This is a very dangerous opponent,” Nicksick stated, acknowledging Ferreira’s speed, power, and sharp basics. Ferreira, who recently knocked out Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds, is seen as a top-tier threat.

However, Nicksick believes Ngannou’s potential will shine through. “If Francis can go in there and do what he’s capable of, it definitely puts us right back in that mix,” he said. Nicksick highlighted Ngannou’s resilience, referencing his past victories even while injured, such as his win over Ciryl Gane on one leg. With both fighters known for their knockout power, the October 19 bout is expected to be a thrilling showdown.

It appears that Mike Tyson is hyping up Ngannou’s return to the ring, albeit not in the boxing ring. After all, Francis Ngannou was his pupil, even if it was for a short duration. Do you think his time with Mike Tyson will help him overcome his latest challenge in the octagon? Let us know in the comments.