Brazilian KO Artist Driven By Redemption To Win 2022 PFL Heavyweight Tourney

When Renan “Problema” Ferreira made his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut last season, the Brazilian was relatively unknown.

It didn’t take long for him to introduce himself to the world as he needed just under a round to dispose of former UFC champion Fabricio Werdum.

While the result was ultimately overturned to a no contest, it was clear that PFL had another hard-hitting heavyweight on their hands.

Although Ferreira would end up missing out on the postseason, he did cap his maiden PFL campaign off with bang, knocking out Stuart Austin in just 31 seconds.

This victory made him a name to watch out for heading into the 2022 PFL season.

In his 2022 season debut, Ferreira followed up on his 31-second masterpiece with another record-setting knockout, smashing 2021 semifinalist Jamelle Jones in just 25 seconds.

This performance set the league’s record for the fastest knockout in the heavyweight division.

More importantly, it also put "Problema" atop the heavyweight standings with 6 points.

From a relative unknown last season, Ferreira is looking every bit like the "8th Wonder of the World" this season.

For the heavy-handed Brazilian, this was simply his hard work paying dividends.

“It’s the perfect example of ‘hard work pays off.’ Last season, we had a couple of hiccups that kept us from making it into the playoffs,” Ferreira said during his PFL 2 post-fight scrum. “This year, rest assured, the belt is mine.”

If Ferreira can put in another impressive performance in his next bout, he’s likely assured of a spot in the playoffs and moves one step closer to the PFL championship and a million-dollar payday.

“I feel at home, I’m grateful for the PFL for this opportunity, and rest assured I’m here, and I’m here to be a champion,” he said. "I’m in great shape, I feel great, whoever’s across the cage from me is going to have a tall task. I think the message is loud and clear. I’m a tough opponent, and whoever’s coming out to fight me, be ready.”

As impressive as his season-opening victory was, it’s likely that his next bouts won’t be as easy, especially with a tough cast of heavyweights all looking to become champion.

One of those said heavyweights is another heavy-handed Brazilian in last season’s champion Bruno Cappelozza.

At this point, a cage encounter between Ferreira and Cappelozza would be the league’s must-see matchup at heavyweight.

If that showdown does materialize, Ferreria says that he’s ready to leave it all in the cage.

“Cappelozza’s a tough opponent, he’s very aggressive. Should this fight happen, I know it will be a war, a great bout, and I would give my all to leave the cage with a win," he stressed.

Ferreira returns to action in the second half of the PFL Regular Season this June.