Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou became one of the most talked about fighters during 2023 as he reached a new level of superstardom by venturing into the world of boxing. Whilst the Cameroonian has since made the switch back to MMA, Ngannou has admitted that he is not done with boxing just yet and has now named some potential opponents ahead of his return.
‘The Predator’ made a name for himself in the Ultimate Fighting Championship by establishing himself as one of the hardest punchers in the history of the franchise – scoring 10 knockouts in his 12 wins whilst fighting under the UFC banner.
However, Ngannou became the first reigning UFC champion to leave for an alternate promotion since 2004 when he signed with the Professional Fighter’s League (PFL), who allowed him to first try his hand at professional boxing.
Ngannou wasted no time in climbing the ladder and jumped in at the deep end against then WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, stepping through the ropes as a monumental underdog for what was deemed as a mismatch by the vast majority.
Yet, Ngannou provided fight fans with one of the most shocking moments in combat sports history when he dropped ‘The Gypsy King’, only to lose a controversial split-decision on the scorecards.
Just months later, Ngannou returned to the squared circle to take on Anthony Joshua but the encounter ended the way that many anticipated his clash with Fury would, as ‘AJ’ scored an emphatic knockout within just two rounds.
Finally, the PFL have got their hands on Ngannou and he participates in an MMA fight for the first time in almost three years this weekend, but in an interview with the MMA Club, the African icon teased an immediate return to boxing and admitted his interest in a fight with fellow knockout-artist, Deontay Wilder.
“I don’t have a name now [who I would like to fight]. I think it depends on the landscape [when I return] but why not a name like [Deontay] Wilder or a rematch with Fury? I don’t know. I am down for everything that makes sense.”
“He [Wilder] is a very good name that I would be interested in.”
Ngannou faces PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in his debut with the franchise on Saturday night, with the full card being available to purchase and watch live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
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