Life can sometimes throw intense challenges which are harder than the opponent launching incessant strikes inside the octagon. Something akin to that happened to Francis Ngannou when he lost a part of himself when his 15-month-old son, Kobe, passed away after suffering from some malformation in his brain. He and his wife were devastated and lost their purpose for a while. ‘The Predator’ was ready to even walk away from MMA after the tragic loss but then he had an epiphany where he channeled this tragedy into something greater.

The same was recently reiterated by PFL CEO Peter Murray when he was asked about Ngannou’s decision to fight again. The promotion did not force him to do anything, and it was the heavyweight star who made all the decisions. The CEO said, “The earlier question about Francis not returning to MMA in terms of that not being a question related to AJ, that was not a question. But concerning Francis’ decision, at this point, you know, it’s a tragedy in his life with the loss of Kobe and you know, we gave Francis his time.”

He also explained how he spoke to the fighter personally to tell him that he could take his time. Murray explained, “And as part of that process, that he went through with his family, um, you know, he and I talked and he came to me and said he wants to do this and to direct his energy and to fight with greater purpose you with Kobe as inspiration. So, this is Francis’ decision. We did not pressure Francis, we gave him his time, and he is moving and again fighting with greater purpose.”

Ngannou is making his comeback in the PFL Battle of the Giants PPV card against KO expert Renan Ferreira. ‘The Predator’ faced the terrible loss of his son but wanted it to serve a higher purpose. “[My purpose is] to make this fight meaningful,” Ngannou told MMA Fighting. “This fight was most likely not to happen. I was most likely not to fight this year, or never. But I want to make a purpose of things that happen. Give it a purpose.” So now he is training hard to face Ferreira.

Francis Ngannou to take on Renan Ferreira on his PFL debut

Ngannou had left UFC last year due to disagreement with the contract. The Cameroonian surprisingly did not have any offers after leaving UFC and was in a crisis with his money running out. He, in fact, was even planning to go back to Africa and become a farmer there but then a boon came forward and PFL approached him. The promotion offered him a favorable contract and so Ngannou is returning to MMA.

After being away from the cage because of a knee injury and then boxing the two biggest boxers in the world, ‘The Predator’ will make his PFL debut on PFL: Battle of the Giants PPV. He is ready and inspired to serve his purpose after his son’s death and wants to honor Kobe through this fight.

What are your predictions for the Ngannou-Ferreira fight? Tell us in the comments below.