Francis Ngannou, a name synonymous with power and determination, has firmly established himself as one of the most formidable heavyweights in combat sports. As he prepares to face Renan Ferreira on October 19th, Ngannou is adamant that his return to the MMA arena is not a “comeback” but simply a continuation of his storied career.

In an interview with BBC Sport, the 37-year-old fighter emphasized that he has always been committed to both MMA and boxing. “I’m not returning to MMA, I never left MMA,” Ngannou clarified. “Also, I haven’t left boxing. That’s the confusion.”

Ngannou’s career trajectory has been anything but ordinary. With a record boasting just three losses in 20 MMA fights and 12 knockouts in his victories, the former UFC champion has proven his prowess in the octagon. However, his journey took an intriguing turn when he decided to pursue his long-held dream of stepping into the boxing ring.

Since his last MMA fight in January 2022, Ngannou has taken on two of the biggest names in boxing: former world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Despite losing both bouts—one in a controversial split decision to Fury and the other via a knockout by Joshua—Ngannou does not see these experiences as setbacks. “The fact that those fights even happened, it was something exceptional,” he said. “I had that dream for over 20 years and I finally put it into fruition. That was dream chasing, a life-long dream I completed.”

Ngannou’s decision to step away from the UFC and sign with the rival MMA promotion PFL (Professional Fighters League) in May 2023 marked a significant shift in his career. The move was partially motivated by his desire to pursue boxing alongside his MMA career, showcasing his versatility as a fighter.

As Ngannou gears up for his fight against the 34-year-old Ferreira, who has 11 knockouts in his 13 wins, the anticipation is palpable. Both fighters are known for their knockout power, making this a highly anticipated bout in the MMA community.

Ngannou’s journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of greatness across multiple disciplines. While many might view his foray into boxing as a diversion, for Ngannou, it was the realization of a dream that had been brewing for two decades. Now, as he steps back into the MMA cage, he carries with him the lessons and experiences from the boxing ring, ready to prove once again that he is a force to be reckoned with.

Whether in the octagon or the boxing ring, Francis Ngannou remains a fighter at heart—unyielding, ambitious, and ever-evolving. As he continues to straddle the worlds of MMA and boxing, fans can expect nothing less than fireworks from the Cameroonian powerhouse. With his eyes set on the future, Ngannou’s journey is far from over; it’s merely entering a new and exciting chapter.