“Battle of the Giants,” trumpets the Professional Fighters League (PFL), in which Ngannou, the 6-4, 256-pound Cameroonian, will face Ferreira, the 6-8, 261-pound Brazilian, in the main event of PFL Super Fights in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Both men have breathtaking strength.

Ferreria, 34, is 13-3 with 11 KOs. Ngannou, 38, is 17-3 with 12 knockouts. But the numbers can’t explain another important storyline. This clash marks Ngannou’s first MMA fight since January 2022, after which he left UFC due to a contract dispute and ventured into professional boxing.

He stunned the combat sports world in October 2023 when he knocked out and nearly defeated Tyson Fury in his debut as a professional boxer. But he was brutally knocked down by Anthony Joshua in their fight in March.

The following month, Ngannou announced the death of his 15-month-old son.

Still grieving, Ngannou told USA TODAY Sports that he decided to fight again because of his son’s death, among other reasons. Whether it was too early will be shown on Saturday when he makes his big PFL debut.