Renan Ferreira completely understands the importance of his part in the upcoming PFL vs. Bellator: Champs event.
Ferreira is in the main event vs. Ryan Bader live on ESPN+ pay-per-view February 24. The card takes place from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After PFL purchased ownership of Bellator late last year, they worked to put together an event featuring champion vs. champion.
“It’s a special moment for the fans and a special moment for the sport,” Ferreira said. “I feel honored to be in the position as the main event to fight against a guy with the credentials that Ryan Bader has.
“Just excited to get there. You guys know my fighting style, always pressing the action and moving forward. So just excited to put on a great show.”
Ferreira, a 34-year-old from Brazil, claimed the 2023 heavyweight title when he finished Denis Goltsov in November. He also advanced to the semifinals in 2022 and is 12-3 overall.
He knows that Bader will be his toughest test to date.
A former winner of The Ultimate Fighter, Bader has held gold in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions of Bellator.
“I’ve been following Bader’s career for a very long time,” Ferreira said. “I’ve watched his fights live. I think he’s a great athlete and his wrestling credentials speak for themself. It’s just a great honor to be facing off against him.”
PFL Vs. Bellator: Champs Fight Card
Along with the heavyweight bout, Impa Kasangany takes on Johnny Eblen, Jesus Pinedo meets Patricio Pitbull, Ray Cooper III fights Jason Jackson, Bruno Cappelozza battles Vadim Nemkov, Thaigo Santos squares off with Yoel Romero and Clay Collard faces A.J. McKee.
The prelims include Aaron Pico, Biaggio Ali Walsh, Claressa Shields and Abdullah Al-Qahtani all in action.
