Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou shocked the world of combat sports with an impressive performance against Tyson Fury last month. At the age of 37, ‘The Predator’ has now confirmed how many contests he believes he has left in the tank.
Ngannou knocked Fury down in a split-decision defeat on his professional boxing debut and, as a result of that performance and despite an official 0-1 record, he has earned himself a ranking as the number 10 contender with the WBC.
The Cameroonian has since been linked to a host of blockbuster clashes against the likes of Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora, as well as the long-desired MMA showdown with Jon Jones.
In an interview with The Last Stand, Ngannou weighed up his options.
“[I have] around eight [fights left].”
Jon Jones [UFC] – “I have no control on that. I want to, but I can’t say.”
Derek Chisora – “I prefer to fight only the top fighters. Why did I fight Tyson Fury? Because he is the top of the game, I wanted to get in there at the top and I want the best. I want the big fights, the big show, I want everything big. At the end of the day, it is a sport, we do what we have to do.”
Deontay Wilder [Mixed-Rules] – “The conversation of a mixed-rules fight with Deontay Wilder [in the PFL] is true, because even before this fight [with Tyson Fury], we have been having discussions.”
Anthony Joshua – “My team said that they received a text message from Eddie Hearn and I think that’s all.”
Ngannou’s next move will be watched closely, as he continues to grow his profile and become the most talked about heavyweight amongst all active combat fighters in both mixed martial arts and boxing.
In terms of the squared circle, he’s made it clear that he wants a rematch Fury above all else.
Currently, he’s expected to move back to MMA and honour a deal with the Professional Fighter’s League.