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MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

MMA Fighting has a live stream watch party for Saturday’s PFL: Ngannou vs. Ferreira pay-per-view fight card in Saudi Arabia. In the main event, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou makes his promotional debut against Renan Ferreira for the PFL Superfight heavyweight title.

Join MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew to watch the main card live as it happens.

In the co-main event, Bellator champion Cris Cyborg faces two-time PFL $ 1 million champion Larissa Pacheco for the PFL Superfight women’s featherweight title.

PFL: Ngannou vs. Ferreira also includes a Bellator middleweight championship rematch between Johnny Eblen and Fabian Edwards, along with an intriguing matchup between former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee and surging lightweight contender Paul Hughes.

The pay-per-view main card will also feature a featherweight tilt between Husein Kadimagomaev and Zafar Mohsen.

Watch the PFL: Ngannou vs. Ferreira live watch party on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

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Taking his time
| BJPenn.com

Francis Ngannou hasn’t competed in a mixed martial arts (MMA) bout in nearly three years, but the former UFC heavyweight king is as confident as ever heading into his return fight later tonight (Sat., Oct. 19, 2024) at PFL: Battle of the Giants live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“Predator” has been testing his luck against the best heavyweight boxers in the world over the past 12 months. The results have varied, but it has given Ngannou the opportunity to make life-changing money and create even more appeal surrounding his long-awaited PFL debut this weekend in Saudi Arabia.

On Friday, Ngannou stepped on stage for ceremonial weigh ins and one last faceoff with Saturday’s main event opponent, PFL 2023 heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira. Ngannou is a massive specimen in the heavyweight division, but Ferreira’s incredible size still made “Predator” look small. That made for an interesting staredown as the two heavyweights jostled for head space (see HERE).

After the final faceoff, both fighters were interviewed and asked to give their thoughts on Saturday’s impending heavyweight clash. Ngannou, who still considers himself the No. 1 heavyweight fighter in MMA today, reminded Ferreira who the king is entering PFL: Battle of the Giants.

“Who’s the king Renan?” asked Ngannou (shown in the above video player).

“I’m the king,” he said before Ferrereira could respond. “Tomorrow you’re gonna find out.”

For all the latest “Battle of the Giants” news and notes click here.

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MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

Michel Pereira and Anthony Hernandez might not be the first names that come to mind when you think “future title challenger,” but that’s exactly what the UFC Vegas 99 main event winner could be after Saturday.

“Demolidor”—currently holding on to the No. 15 spot at 185 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings—has evolved into a legitimate contender after beginning his UFC career as an oddity. Following a run at welterweight that was foiled more by the scale than his opposition, Pereira made the shrewd decision to move to middleweight where he’s racked up three straight finishes. He faces his toughest challenge in the division yet, though, with Hernandez having won five straight fights.

Since a disappointing knockout loss to Kevin Holland, Hernandez has racked up a series of strong performances, including a stunning submission of grappling ace Rodolfo Vieira, and a streak-busting win over Roman Kopylov in his most recent appearance. “Fluffy” has been saying all the right things about wanting to take on a champion someday and he’s working his way to that opportunity one win at a time.

Not only is Pereira vs. Hernandez unlikely to disappoint from an action standpoint, but we’ll also find out how close either man is to joining the middleweight elite.

In other main card action, Rob Font looks to snap a skid and the three-fight win streak of Kyler Phillips, Charles Johnson is out to prove he’s a player at 125 pounds as he fights Sumudaerji, Jake Hadley takes on short-notice replacement Cameron Smotherman, and Darren Elkins meets Daniel Pineda in a battle of featherweight veterans.

What: UFC Vegas 99

Where: UFC APEX in Las Vegas

When: Saturday, Oct. 19. The six-fight preliminary card begins at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by a five-fight main card at 7 p.m. ET also on ESPN+.

(Numbers in parentheses indicate standing in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings)

Michel Pereira (15) vs. Anthony Hernandez

Michel Pereira’s plans for world domination are going swimmingly.

First, he dialed back his one-of-a-kind fighting style, going from full-on jazz odyssey every time he went out there to a more technical and, yes, winning approach.

Second, he saved himself an extra 15 pounds of weight cutting by moving to middleweight, which is where he belongs at this stage of his career. Dude is massive.

Third, and most importantly, bring back some of the craziness while still adhering to the more mature tactics that have put you on a career-best eight-fight win streak.

It’s almost too simple.

Anthony Hernandez has the style needed to ruin Pereira’s unlikely championship charge, with a deep reserve of wrestling and grappling techniques in his arsenal. He knows he has to take Pereira down to win, it’s just a matter of executing. We have seen Pereira fall prey to a wrestling-heavy attack before, but that was a bizarre fight against Tristan Connelly in which we clearly didn’t get the best version of “Demolidor,” so I wouldn’t use that as a strong point of comparison.

If Hernandez can take this fight to the championship rounds, Pereira’s cardio might not be up to snuff, so that’s another factor to consider. But I like Pereira’s chances of keeping the fight standing and scoring a knockout before Round 4.

Pick: Pereira

Rob Font (14) vs. Kyler Phillips

Saturday’s main event isn’t the only fight with title contender implications.

Kyler Phillips has been a sleeper at 135 pounds for some time now, his rise to the top only hindered by inactivity and a narrow decision loss. Otherwise, Phillips just needs more quality wins to continue building his résumé. Pedro Munhoz and Song Yadong were good ones, and Rob Font could be the most important victory yet.

That’s not to say Font is a walk-over for Phillips. If Font is a gatekeeper, he’s one of the best, as evidenced by his having gone five rounds with names like Jose Aldo, Cory Sandhagen, and Marlon Vera. All losses, but all fights in which Font’s opponent had to work hard to get by.

The same will be true of Phillips, who has to put forth a career-best effort to avoid losing momentum. Both of these fighters are outstanding technical strikers, with Phillips having the slight edge in activity, speed, and agility. He can’t let up for a second, because all it takes is a couple of mistakes for Font to steal rounds and cause Phillips’ night to end in disappointment.

Phillips keeps it together and wins a decision.

Pick: Phillips

Charles Johnson vs. Sumudaerji

Charles Johnson has shown some great hands during this unexpected three-fight win streak, but it’s his versatility that could be the difference against Sumudaerji. “The Tibetan Eagle” has proven susceptible to submissions throughout his career and if Johnson wants to make it four in a row, he should be sure to include takedowns in his game plan.

Sumudaerji is a threat on the feet and if he hurts Johnson early, it could be a long—or even worse, short—night for “InnerG.” The length of Sumudaerji is one of his strengths and if he controls distance, he’ll work his way to a decision win.

But his defensive shortcomings are too significant to ignore, so I’m actually picking Johnson to catch him on the feet sometime after the opening five minutes. From there, Johnson will find an opening to grapple, either wrestling Sumudaerji down or scrambling to take his back. A choke and a tap are soon to follow.

Pick: Johnson

Jake Hadley vs. Cameron Smotherman

If you’ve never seen Cameron Smotherman fight before, the strategy to foil him is pretty clear so far: Take this dude down.

That’s not to say that Smotherman isn’t capable on the ground—in fact, he’s difficult to attack even if put on his back—but you’re much better off wrestling with him there than trading shots on the feet. “The Baby-Faced Killer” is a speedy and accurate striker, always looking for an opening and a threat to finish for all 15 minutes. He could have Jake Hadley on skates early if Hadley isn’t careful.

Fortunately for Hadley, he’s got good hands, too, and Smotherman isn’t always the most defensively responsible fighter. Add in Hadley’s potential to take Smotherman down and he has a clear path to victory so long as he doesn’t freelance too much on the feet.

I have Hadley winning a decision after a tense three rounds, but Smotherman is an exciting addition to the roster and I look forward to his next fight when he has a full training camp.

Pick: Hadley

Darren Elkins vs. Daniel Pineda

Combined, Darren Elkins and Daniel Pineda have 41 UFC appearances and 86 pro bouts overall. To put it lightly, they’ve been through it.

It was only a matter of time until these two faced off and the only complaint one can have is that it’s taking place at the APEX as opposed to being witnessed live by thousands of appreciative fans. It’s just weird to think about how Elkins and Pineda clawed their way up from fighting in local bars to competing at packed venues and now back to an empty building.

Sigh.

None of that matters once the cage door shuts and these fighters rush headfirst into a scrap. How does one even begin to break this one down? It’s not as if Elkins and Pineda are devoid of technique, it’s just that they’re quick to throw it out the window once the poop hits the fan. And it definitely will.

I see the grappling game being dead even here, so they’re going to have to slug it out, and in that scenario I favor “The Damage.” He might not put Pineda down for the count, but he’ll do enough to win a decision in a bout that will likely see both warriors bloody and battered by the end.

Pick: Elkins

Preliminaries

Asu Almabayev (15) def. Matheus Nicolau (13)

Brad Katona def. Jean Matsumoto

Tamires Vidal def. Joselyne Edwards

Jessica Penne def. Elise Reed

Melissa Martinez def. Alice Ardelean

Robelis Despaigne def. Austen Lane

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UFC Fight Night takes place tonight from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights! 

In the main event, ranked middleweights Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira will clash. While in the co-main event, Rob Font will face Kyler Phillips in a bantamweight matchup. 

There was just one weight miss at the weigh-ins, with Joselyne Edwards missing the bantamweight limit by 3.5 pounds. 

Make sure to catch all the UFC Fight Night results and highlights as they happen below! 

Main Card (ESPN+, 7PM ET): 

• Middleweight Main Event: Anthony Hernandez vs. Michel Pereira  

• Bantamweight Co-Main Event: Rob Font vs. Kyler Phillips 

• Flyweight: Charles Johnson vs. Sumudaerji  

• Bantamweight: Jake Hadley vs. Cameron Smotherman  

• Featherweight: Darren Elkins vs. Daniel Pineda 

Preliminary Card (ESPN+, 4PM ET): 

• Flyweight: Matheus Nicolau vs. Asu Almabayev  

• Bantamweight: Brad Katona vs. Jean Matsumoto  

• Women’s Bantamweight: Joselyne Edwards vs. Tamires Vidal  

• Women’s Strawweight: Jessica Penne vs. Elise Reed  

• Women’s Strawweight: Melissa Martinez vs. Alice Ardelean  

• Heavyweight: Austen Lane vs. Robelis Despaigne  

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Anthony Hernandez vs. Michel Pereira Results & Highlights (4 PM ET)  at MMA News.

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MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

Francis Ngannou’s return to mixed martial arts is here.

After leaving the UFC, vacating the promotion’s heavyweight title, signing with the PFL, having two pro boxing matches against two of the biggest names in the sweet science, Ngannou faces knockout artist Renan Ferreira in the main event of PFL’s Battle of the Giants on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.

It’s no secret that Ngannou is dealing with a lot heading into this one, and while both fighters seemed respectful and Bull Durham-like in the build, things got heated up in the final faceoff — giving this fight an extra (and, frankly, well-needed) boost.

In the co-main event, Cris Cyborg battles Larissa Pacheco, while Johnny Eblen battles Fabian Edwards in a rematch. The other big main card highlight is a lightweight tilt between former Bellator champ A.J. McKee and Paul Hughes.

What: PFL Super Fights PPV: Battle of the Giants

Where: Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

When: Saturday, Oct. 19. The four-fight preliminary card begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ in the U.S. and internationally on DAZN, followed by a five-fight main card at 4 p.m. ET also on ESPN+ in the U.S. and internationally on DAZN.

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira

Francis Ngannou should win this fight, and I think he will, but there’s a reason a lot of people believe Renan Ferreira is a darling dog.

Momentum in combat sports is huge, and if we’re looking at this through a down-the-middle lens, Ferreira has it after obliterating Bellator heavyweight champ Ryan Bader in seconds at PFL vs. Bellator. Ngannou has a lot of pressure heading into this fight, with the lineal heavyweight champ talk, the layoff, the two-fight trip into boxing, the PFL’s investment in him, not to mention what this fight means to him on a personal level.

Could the monster Ferreria find Ngannou’s chin with a big shot? Very, very possible. But when it comes to MMA, Ngannou is a sponge when it comes to game plans and execution. I actually see Ngannou getting a takedown or two in this fight, and eventually, landing some big shots on the floor in Round 2 to have a feel-good moment.

Question is: Does he return to the boxing ring after?

Pick: Francis Ngannou

Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco

This is a tremendous matchup on paper, but the road to it has been a weird one, hasn’t it?

It doesn’t seem like the transition from Bellator to PFLator for Cyborg has been all that pleasant if you’ve been following her on social media since the merger. She’s also only had two fights in MMA since April 2022, including a rematch with Arlene Blencowe that nobody asked for, and a straight destruction of Cat Zingano. But for the first time since she faced Amanda Nunes, Cyborg finds herself in a fight that seems it could go either way.

Pacheco has been outstanding — winning 10 fights in a row, a couple of $ 1 million checks, and is the only fighter on the planet to beat Kayla Harrison. While that’s a spectacular win on her résumé, I still don’t truly know how good Pacheco is, and while Cyborg doesn’t have her fastball anymore, she’s still a pretty damn good fist-fighter.

I’m not confident, most notably because Cyborg doesn’t seem all that thrilled to be a part of this fight week through my curious lens, but since I view this as a 50-50 fight, I’m leaning towards experience and accomplishment. Cyborg by decision is the pick and, what I predict, will be the first of multiple fights between the two.

Pick: Cris Cyborg

Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards

In my opinion, this is a pivotal moment for Johnny Eblen, and you can make a real case that he has the most to prove on this entire card.

I know, it’s weird to say that about a guy who is undefeated, but there was a moment or two not that long ago where a lot of pundits claimed Eblen was the best middleweight in the world. While Eblen did finish Edwards in their first meeting, he had to work a lot harder than most expected to do so. Many believed it was not his best night in the office, and then he had the fight with Impa Kasanganay, who gave Eblen a run for his money at PFL vs. Bellator.

Now, we’re running this one back, and frankly, this fight is happening for one reason — Eblen just has nobody else to dance with. Edwards is a fine fighter and has some good wins, but in most cases, he would’ve needed another win, probably two, after beating Aaron Jeffrey in a fight nobody will go back and re-watch.

To me, a win is not enough for Eblen. He needs to look like he’s in a showcase fight, and he has the opportunity to do exactly that. The pick is Eblen via third-round stoppage in a fight that isn’t as close as the original.

Pick: Johnny Eblen

A.J. McKee vs. Paul Hughes

Kudos to both of these guys for building interest for this fight from Jump Street. I can’t wait for it, honestly.

A.J. McKee has always been a damn good fighter, but now that he’s at lightweight, he’s also fun as hell, and that makes him even more dangerous. Hughes is a 27-year-old stud that has an extremely bright future. The scary thing about the longtime Cage Warriors star is that he’s nowhere near a finished product. He’s two to three years away from his athletic prime. Unfortunately, he’s facing a guy in McKee who is in that prime, and has been in there with way better competition.

I think this fight delivers the goods, and if Hughes wins, he can put himself in a position to be one of the top headlines of the weekend in MMA. The pick is to have our cake and eat it too — McKee wins a decision, and Hughes proves he belongs in defeat.

Pick: A.J. McKee

Other bouts:

Husein Kadimagomaev def. Zafar Mohsen

Raufeon Stots def. Marcos Breno

Makkasharip Zaynukov def. Dedrek Sanders

Ibragim Ibragimov def. Nacho Campos

Taha Bendaoud def. Tariq Ismail

MMA Fighting – All Posts

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MMA: Mixed Martial Arts