Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, recently made headlines by signing with the PFL. Despite his departure in January of 2023, verbal spats with the likes of Dana White, have not stopped.
Ngannou expressed his interest in stepping into the boxing ring for his next fight, specifically targeting renowned boxers Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.
He also mentioned his willingness to face the current UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, if the opportunity could be presented, as reported by TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter.
Francis Ngannou and UFC Beef explained
Since his victorious bout against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022, where he defended his heavyweight title. Ngannou has been out of action due to knee surgery. In January of this year, he was released from his UFC contract, leading to his recent signing with the PFL.
The Cameroonian was asking for a few terms in his renewed contract which included the freedom to fight athletes from other promotions, better pay, insurance benefits, and more.
Unfortunately, UFC was not ready to make these changes as other big stars were likely going to follow suit if the Ngannou deal went through. After Francis’s departure, Dana White spoke on a number of occasions about the former champ, and he wasn’t very kind with his words. And thus the conflict between the UFC and Ngannou worsened.
Francis Ngannou did an interview with The DAZN MMA Show.
Some points👇 pic.twitter.com/agVWjX1Ms8
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) May 16, 2023
Following his departure from the UFC, Francis received a call-out from Tyson, expressing interest in a potential fight incorporating a mixed ruleset combining boxing and MMA.
In March, Ngannou revealed to TMZ Sports that he and his team were actively exploring the possibility of a two-fight deal against Deontay Wilder.
Will Francis Ngannou vs Tyson Fury ever happen?
Tyson has consistently expressed his interest in facing Francis in the past. Emphasizing that the fight does not necessarily have to be limited to a traditional boxing match.
Francis Ngannou weighs in on the UFC offering Tyson Fury a "hybrid fight against Jon Jones 👀
“That was never an idea when I was in the UFC. Now that I’m not in the UFC, I think everything is all about how to take down Ngannou. But Ngannou stands up." pic.twitter.com/gimHHGhsEC
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 17, 2023
As the current WBC and Ring heavyweight champion, Fury boasts an impressive undefeated record of 33-0-1. In a pure boxing match against Ngannou, Fury would probably be considered a majority favorite.
While Francis has an impressive track record in mixed martial arts, it’s important to note that he lacks any significant experience specifically in the realm of boxing.
The timeline for the potential matchup between Tyson and Ngannou is uncertain at this point. After the failure of the unification bout between Fury and Usyk, the Briton is looking for a new opponent.
Meanwhile, Dana White has tried to establish a matchup between Jon Jones and ‘The Gypsy King’. Considering how big the UFC is currently, they will probably offer a better contract to the WBC title holder.
Between Usyk, Jones, and Ngannou, who do you think should be the next opponent for Tyson? Share your opinion with us in the comments.
