Prior to making the walk, Ngannou had Cristiano Ronaldo in his locker room. Eric Nicksick says the soccer icon provided Ngannou some comfort and support after going through a similar traumatic experience.

Now, it has been revealed by Ngannou’s long-term trainer, Eric Ricksick, that the former UFC heavyweight champion had sustained a rib injury prior to his contest. And so, the pulverizing knockout artist’s grappling-based game plan was in serious danger of being impeded by his injury.

Francis Ngannou did not disappoint in his return to MMA. Here's how he knocked out Renan Ferreira in Round 1, plus results from all PFL fights tonight

Francis Ngannou stopped Renan Ferreira in the first round to win the PFL Heavyweight Superfight Championship in his return to MMA.