It’s no secret that MMA fighters transitioning to professional boxing haven’t had great success in the past. While a few have managed to secure wins, reaching a high level in the boxing world has been a rare sight. However, in a recent match in Saudi Arabia, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou crossed over to boxing and gave WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury one of his toughest fights yet. Ngannou was narrowly defeated in a close, split decision, but many believe he did enough to emerge victorious.
According to Eric Nicksick, one of Ngannou’s main coaches, this fight proved to the MMA world that they can compete against high-level boxers.
“I think it’s huge,” Nicksick told MMA Junkie Radio. “It’s that 4-minute mile mentality where the guy who breaks the 4-minute mile accomplishes an impossible feat. And once someone does it, everyone knows they have an opportunity to do the same thing. I think more and more MMA fighters will start looking for these opportunities as well.
“The first thing I wrote to Sean Strickland was, ‘Are you ready to move to boxing?’ And he responded, ‘Damn right. That’s all I do – spar boxers, anyway.’ I think Francis paved the way and showed that we are capable of not just competing, but also winning and performing at a high level. I’m proud of him for laying the groundwork.”
Ngannou’s performance came as a big surprise in the world of combat sports. Few expected him to go the distance with Fury, let alone be competitive. For Nicksick, this is just one of the many obstacles Ngannou has overcome in his career.
“Nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to Francis and the level of expectation he carries,” Nicksick said. “We embrace the doubt and everything that we’re told we can’t do. It motivates us, and I know it motivates him. He had this in his mind for a long time, and for it to finally come true, there was a moment in the ring where Tyson was walking in, and I just took it all in, looking at the event itself. Francis looked at me and had this huge smile on his face. I said, ‘Dude, you did this.’ Before he fought, I told him, ‘You did this. This is on you.’ I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
For more on the matchup, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Fury vs. Ngannou.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72931262/usa_today_21973134.0.jpg "Stay Updated on Wisconsin Badgers Transfer Portal Movements for 2023-2024 Season")
