RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Dan Hardy expects Francis Ngannou ’s boxing experience to serve him well against Renan Ferreira . Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou (17-3) takes on Ferreira (13-3) in Saturday’s PFL: Battle of the Giants ( DAZN / ESPN+ ) main event at The Mayadeen. Since parting ways with the UFC, Ngannou boxed twice – a controversial decision loss to Tyson Fury, followed by a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in March. Despite Ngannou coming off the first knockout loss of his combat sports career, Hardy says the skills he acquired as a boxer will benefit him against the taller and rangier Ferreira. “I don’t really think it affected Ngannou as a brand in any way,” Hardy told MMA Junkie.