Francis Ngannou, widely recognized as “The Predator” in the MMA world, made a dominant return to the cage, reinforcing his status as a fearsome competitor. Two years after successfully defending his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane, Ngannou made his debut under the PFL (Professional Fighters League) banner. His first bout in the promotion ended in a decisive first-round knockout victory over Brazilian fighter Renan Ferreira. This marked a triumphant start for Ngannou in the inaugural PFL Superfights Heavyweight Championship, held in Riyadh.
Despite Ngannou’s impressive performance, reports indicate that the event did not meet commercial expectations. Broadcast on ESPN+ and DAZN, the fight reportedly attracted only 10,000–12,000 pay-per-view (PPV) purchases. The low numbers sparked conversations about the event’s broader impact on the combat sports landscape.
One notable ripple effect was the cancellation of a scheduled Misfits Boxing X Series event in Miami. According to sources, DAZN decided to avoid scheduling conflicts with the Ngannou vs. Ferreira fight. Mams Taylor, co-president of Misfits Boxing, addressed this development in an interview, expressing disappointment over the disruption. He emphasized that the Miami event was meant to showcase debut fighters, including notable personalities like Soulja Boy, DDG, and YK Osiris. The cancellation also delayed plans for a cruiserweight tournament finale in Qatar, hindering Misfits Boxing’s expansion into the U.S. market.
‼️ The cancelled Misfits Miami card was thwarted due to DAZN avoiding competition with Ngannou vs Ferreira event which did around 10k-12k PPV buys 🇺🇸❌
[Via – @MamsTaylor on @fredpdbeck’s YT] pic.twitter.com/a8MysHSqWL
— IFN (@IfnBoxing) December 25, 2024
Taylor lamented the cancellation, stating that Misfits Boxing had never previously called off an event after its announcement. He acknowledged Ngannou’s status as a great fighter but questioned the decision to prioritize the PFL event, which garnered relatively low PPV numbers, over their promising lineup.
Misfits Boxing, launched in 2022 by KSI and run by Taylor, has rapidly grown as a platform combining entertainment and combat sports. The organization has hosted 19 editions since its inception, with eight events taking place in 2023 and 2024. One of its most recent showcases, X Series 18, featured Elle Brooke vs. Jenny Savage in Newcastle upon Tyne. This was followed by the announcement of X Series 19, which included the AnEsonGib-Slim Albaher clash. Just days later, Ngannou’s “Battle of Giants” took center stage.
The contrasting outcomes of these events have sparked debates within the combat sports community. Many fans and analysts are reflecting on Ngannou’s return to the cage and whether his knockout victory solidifies his standing as a dominant force, despite the underwhelming PPV numbers. Meanwhile, Misfits Boxing remains committed to building its brand and expanding its influence in the global market, determined to overcome setbacks and continue its upward trajectory.
Ngannou’s emphatic win and the ensuing discussions about its implications highlight the complex dynamics of the combat sports industry, where star power, commercial viability, and competitive matchups intersect.