The Professional Fighters League’s upcoming event is by far the biggest in the promotion’s six-year history, and it is one of the most important MMA shows of the year.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will make his promotional debut with the PFL as he takes on reigning heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in the main event.
In the co-main event, Bellator featherweight champion Cris Cyborg will take on PFL champ Larissa Pacheco to determine which woman is the most dominant female under the promotion’s banner.
Here is a look at the complete card and the viewing information for the entire event.
Date: Saturday, October 19
Time: Prelims at 1:30 pm ET, Main Card at 4 pm ET
TV: ESPN+ PPV
- Heavyweight PFL Superfight Championship: Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira
- Women’s Featherweight Superfight Championship: Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco
- Bellator Middleweight Championship: Johnny Eblen (c) vs. Fabian Edwards
- Men’s Featherweight: Husein Kadimagomaev vs. Zafar Mohsen
- Lightweight: AJ McKee vs. Paul Hughes
- Bantamweight: Raufeon Stots vs. Marcos Breno
- Lightweight: Dedrek Sanders vs. Makkasharip Zaynukov
- Men’s featherweight: Ibragim Ibragimov vs. Nacho Campos
- Middleweight: Mostafa Rashed Nada vs. Ahmed Sami
- Men’s featherweight: Tariq Ismail vs. Taha Bendaoud
Why is Battle of the Giants is one of the most important MMA events of the year?
There are three simple reasons. The UFC is the unquestioned No. 1 MMA organization globally, but the PFL has established itself as the bonafide No. 2 organization in just six years.
All of the reasons relate to the legitimacy of the PFL as a competitor to the UFC.
First, it is the promotional debut for Ngannou, the most critical MMA free agent in the sport’s history. He walked away from the UFC and took a better deal with the PFL that gave him freedom to box and a level of respect that he may never have received otherwise.
Unfortunately, Ngannou has had two boxing matches and lost both of them, and the last defeat was a devastating KO at the hands of Anthony Joshua.
If he loses to Ferreira on Saturday, while he will have made a handsome amount of money for his decision to bolt the UFC, the perception will be that he lost in the situation.
The internet is a nasty and unfair place, and it waits for people daring enough to bet on themselves to fail–or to appear as though they have failed. If Ferreira defeats Ngannou–especially if he finishes him–the vultures will come for the Cameroonian.
There is pressure on Ngannou and the PFL.
However, the organization can pivot better than the fighter. The PFL will have a heavyweight champion who could realistically be pushed as one of the best–if not the best fighters in the weight class across the sport.
Whoever wins between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 and current interim champion Tom Aspinall will likely still get the nod over Ferreira. Still, his argument strengthens, as does PFL owner Donn Davis’ claims that the talent level is equal in both organizations.
I spoke with Davis in September, and he explained his theory of equality in relation to the PFL and the UFC. You can listen to his concept in the video below.
Most don’t agree with Davis, as there are far fewer fighters on his roster that fans know. However, Ferreira has a chance to make himself a household name. If nothing else, the PFL will have plucked one of the UFC’s champions in Ngannou and fed him to their homegrown champion, with the latter coming out superior.
This concept of legitimacy goes beyond the main event, though Ngannou is likely the hook that will attract more fans.
Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen will rematch Fabian Edwards.
Eblen is undoubtedly one of the best middleweights in the world. This card may be one of the few times MMA fans who only watch the UFC will get a chance to see him.
Eblen trains at American Top Team with fighters like Dustin Poirier, Thiago Alves, Kayla Harrison, and others. I spoke with former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley earlier this month, and he praised Eblen.
He could compete with any 185-pounder in the world, including the top of the food chain in the UFC. He knows this, but he also understands the rankings from sites like Fight Matrix, which have him seventh in the world.
Seeing Eblen perform is a major part of this card, and fans will have a chance to see one of the best 185-pounders they may have slept on.
Lastly, the Paul Hughes vs. AJ McKie fight could be the best scrap on the card. Those who have watched him realize McKie is one of the best fighters in Bellator and could likely compete in any promotion.
Hughes was one of the top recent signings in MMA. The UFC was interested, but he chose the PFL. If Hughes can defeat McKie, it will further legitimize the promotion’s ability to sign a genuine top prospect, and it will likely keep the UFC’s eye on him in the coming years.
In totality, if you’re an MMA fan, this is a show you’ll want to watch. Competition makes everyone involved better, and if the PFL can better establish itself, it’s good for MMA.
