NEW YORK: Mayadeen in Riyadh has been confirmed as the venue for the Professional Fighters League’s “Battle of the Giants” event on Saturday, Oct. 19.
The card will have Francis “The Predator” Ngannou (17-3) return to Saudi Arabia and the MMA world to face feared Renan “Problema” Ferreira (13-3, 3 no-contests), for the newly minted PFL Super Fights Championship belt.
The show is a part of Saudi Arabia’s foray into sports and entertainment. The country has already hosted over 100 global events, attended by 2.6 million people.
The co-main event will have another world title fight on the women’s side featuring MMA great Cris Cyborg (27-2, 1 no-contest) against PFL two-division champion Larissa Pacheco (23-4).
Ngannou and Ferreira face off at a pre-fight press conference. (Supplied)
Speaking in Washington at a press conference for the event, Ngannou, said he could not wait to return to Saudi Arabia to fight.
“I am happy to return to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and be in the city of Riyadh, which holds a special place in my heart,” he said.
“The great way that the Saudi audience welcomed me last time was amazing, so I look forward to delivering a standout performance in front of them and winning this big showdown.”
His opponent said it would be his first time in the Kingdom.
“I am very excited to be in Saudi Arabia for the first time, Ferreira said. “I've heard a lot about the growth of the martial arts scene in the country and I want to be part of the development of this sport there, through my participation in this match where I will definitely give it my all to achieve a historic victory to add to my previous successes.”
