Francis Ngannou admits he considered retiring from combat sports following the tragic death of his 15-month-old son, but also explains why he is making his PFL debut and what his future plans are.

Francis Ngannou considered retiring after the death of his son, but the former UFC heavyweight champion is convinced that continuing to fight is “the best way to honor him.”

After a two-fight foray into boxing, Ngannou will return to mixed martial arts on October 19 when he makes his Professional Fighters League debut against Brazilian Renan Ferreira in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

At a press conference to promote the event, the Cameroonian said he had seriously considered ending his successful boxing career after announcing the death of his son Kobe at the age of 15 months at “X” in April.

“I was wondering if I should keep going or just quit, but I didn't want my son to be the reason, so I decided I would keep fighting for him,” Ngannou said.

“It has become a new goal for me. My son was 15 months old, but he was very active and I had many plans for the future with him, but life decided otherwise.

Francis Ngannou admits he considered retiring from professional martial arts after the tragic loss of his 15-month-old son

At the press conference before the fight, the “Predator” revealed that he is considering ending his career

However, he will continue to compete and will make his Professional Fighters League debut on October 19th.

“I decided to make something positive out of his 15 months of life; to keep going instead of giving up. That's the best way to honor him.”

Ngannou was stripped of his UFC heavyweight championship in January 2023 after failing to agree to a new contract and subsequently signed with the PFL, which gave him the green light to continue his career as a boxer.

Last October, he narrowly lost on points to Tyson Fury and was brutally knocked out by Anthony Joshua in March. However, the 37-year-old does not rule out a return to boxing in the future.

“I still want to get into some boxing matches,” he added. “I think I've got a few left in me.”

“Right now I'm focused on this fight. I don't know what comes after this fight, but I'll solve this problem first and see what's possible and then make a decision.”

Ngannou admitted he was “very excited” but “also a little nervous” ahead of his first MMA fight since defeating Ciryl Gane in his only UFC title defense in January 2022.

In Ferreira, Ngannou will face an opponent with 13 wins in 19 fights and only three losses.

Ferreira won the PFL heavyweight tournament last year and completed his fight against Ngannou by knocking out Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader in February.

In January 2023, Ngannou was stripped of his UFC heavyweight championship following unsuccessful contract negotiations.

His next opponent, Brazilian Renan Ferreira, won the 2023 PFL Heavyweight Championship

Before the two playfully scrutinized each other in a staring match led by YouTuber and current boxer Jake Paul, Ferreira had words of warning for Ngannou.

“He is a great athlete, but the cage is the cage and will bring further challenges,” Ferreira said.

“He has a big problem ahead of him. He knows I have the strength to wrestle him, take him to the ground, knock him out and make him submit.

“Francis has had a tough year in his life, but the biggest challenge in his life and this year will be me.”