|
WASHINGTON D.C. (August 22, 2024) – BRACE FOR IMPACT, MMA superstar and undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world, Francis Ngannou (17-3) and the most-feared heavyweight, 6-foot-8 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan “Problema” Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC) today addressed assembled media today at The Anthem in Washington D.C.
PFL two-division champion Larissa Pacheco (23-4) joined as she gears up for her momentous fight against Cris “Cyborg” (27-2, 1 NC), whose legacy will be on the line. In addition, worldwide super star Jake Paul was in attendance to oversee the festivities.
BRACE FOR IMPACT. The two world title fights headline PFL’s The Battle of the Giants pay-per-view event on Saturday, October 19 live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S and DAZN worldwide.
Here’s what the competitors had to say:
FRANCIS NGANNOU:
“It’s nice to be here but also a little nervous. I was backstage and thinking, “Okay it’s been a long time since I’ve been here.” When I returned to the gym two months ago, I wondered if I had forgotten how to fight. But once I got back on the mats, I realized it was always there, and I felt like I had never left. I am quite excited and looking forward to this.”
“Everyone is a problem to some extent. He is definitely a problem for some people. As far as I am concerned, he is not a problem. It is the “Problema” against “The Predator.” I think the nicknames speak for themselves.”
“This was always the plan. I think in May last year, we had confirmed I was supposed to fight this year. Even before my last fight with [Anthony] Joshua, this fight was already being talked about. Before the Champs vs. Champs fight in Saudi Arabia happened, I was supposed to fight the winner, so this was always the plan.”
“I wasn’t impressed with his knockouts, not because they were not good but because I knew he was capable of doing that. I’ve been watching Renan Ferreira long before many others knew who he was because I was so impressed with his ability. I saw him enter the PFL Season and I put my money on this guy, he’s going to smash everybody. I’ve been watching him, and I wasn’t impressed with his last fight because I knew what he was going to do.”
“My goal right now is not just being back in MMA but being back in activity in combat sports in general. It’s being back in what I love. I always look for my purpose. Lately it’s been a little tough. I didn’t have a chance to fight for my son, so this will be my chance.”
RENAN FERREIRA:
“It was a great honor to be here. I am ecstatic to have this opportunity and to be able to fight someone the caliber of Francis Ngannou.”
“Francis is a great athlete. I have been following his career for a very long time. I have been impressed by his career and his feats for a very long time. Meeting him in person has only solidified what I thought about him. He is a big man with big power.”
“Two and a half years is a long time away from the sport, but the cage is a cage. It’s going to bring other challenges. I said it before and I will say it again, he has a big problem ahead of him. He knows I have knockout power, and I can take him down to the ground and submit him.”
“I know my accolades and what I bring to the table. I know what I’ve done for the sport here at the PFL. Once we get locked inside the cage, it doesn’t really matter whose name was said first or who said anything. A fight is a fight.”
LARISSA PACHECO:
“This is the most anticipated fight in women’s MMA history. I am thrilled with the opportunity. I am here to showcase my work. Cris Cyborg is a legend, and I am here to beat the legend and become the legend.”
JAKE PAUL:
“Francis has a lot to prove; the pressure is on him. He came from the UFC and is now in this massive fight against an amazing competitor with amazing power and speed. Renan is obviously 6’8″ with an 85″ reach, so I am excited for this. Francis has that chip on his shoulder because all the MMA fans will be watching to see what he can do and if he is still the best Heavyweight in the world.”
“I think training for those big guys like Tyson Fury will help Francis in a fight like this. It will be interesting to see those extra rounds he’s been getting in the gym and if that helps him against a big guy.”
On Jon Jones fighting the winner “I think Dana [White] is scared to make that happen. He doesn’t want to lose his horse to Jon Jones. I love Jon Jones but that is too much of a risk for Dana to take. Francis is one of the baddest if not the baddest man on the planet. I think Dana is scared and he doesn’t want to do that. But the MMA fans want that. But Dana never does anything for the fans.”
|
No Comments Yet