**Francis Ngannou Triumphs in PFL's Historic Night in Riyadh**

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) delivered what felt like its most monumental event to date in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, headlined by the electrifying main event featuring former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. This fight saw Ngannou taking on 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in a highly significant match for the division, with Ngannou still considered the sport's lineal heavyweight champion. This bout is being hailed as one of the most talked-about in PFL history.

The co-main event was equally momentous, featuring Bellator featherweight champion Cris Cyborg against two-season PFL champion Larissa Pacheco. This match was one of the biggest possible showdowns in women's MMA, with high expectations for an explosive finish from one of these celebrated Brazilian fighters. Titles were at stake in both these pivotal matchups, adding to the evening's high stakes.

Another significant fight on the main card saw Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen defend his title against Fabian Edwards, brother of former UFC champion Leon Edwards. Eblen, regarded as one of the best fighters worldwide in his division, aimed to cement his status further with this contest. The top fights promised excitement, and the undercard didn't disappoint either, featuring memorable moments and noteworthy performances.

In other results, Raufeon Stots defeated Marcos Breno via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round. Moroccan featherweight Taha Bendaoud showcased a spectacular comeback by submitting Tariq Ismail with a triangle choke in the second round, despite absorbing significant punishment early on. This remarkable turnaround is already being considered a contender for the comeback of the year, demonstrating Bendaoud's resilience and skill.

However, the event was not without its hiccups. The undercard broadcast faced pacing issues, notably when several minutes were filled with banter between NFL legends Ray Lewis and Rob Gronkowski. This segment received criticism as it seemed to detract from the expertise offered by seasoned MMA analysts like Sean O'Connell, Randy Couture, and Dan Hardy.

The night also featured a lightweight bout between former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee and former Cage Warriors featherweight champion Paul Hughes. Hughes lived up to his hype, securing a split-decision win over McKee, and is now viewed as one of the top lightweights in the PFL-Bellator umbrella. His performance affirmed his status as a rising star in the sport, with his sights set on a future fight with lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen, who had confidently claimed to be one of the best middleweights in the world, defended his title against Fabian Edwards in a grueling fight that went to a unanimous decision. While Eblen emerged victorious, the match did not significantly bolster his bold claims, as he faced challenging moments and did not secure as decisive a victory as hoped.

The PFL's event in Riyadh was a milestone in the league’s history, producing thrilling battles, dramatic comebacks, and significant victories that will resonate in the world of MMA for some time.