Francis Ngannou achieved an impressive debut against Tyson Fury in the boxing ring, generating numerous opportunities. But what does this mean for his career in MMA?
In a highly anticipated crossover boxing match held in Saudi Arabia, former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou exceeded expectations by delivering a competitive performance, despite ultimately losing via a close split decision against WBC heavyweight champ Fury. Ngannou showcased his skills in the fight, even knocking down Fury in Round 3.
Ngannou’s name has already been linked to boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, leading PFL analyst Kenny Florian to doubt an immediate return to MMA. However, Florian remains optimistic about Ngannou’s commitment to his MMA career while acknowledging the newfound opportunities in boxing.
“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a concern right now because he has the ability to be a star in a completely different sport now,” Florian said on his “Anik & Florian” podcast. “That just opened up a ton of opportunities for him not only in the rematch with Tyson Fury, you have Anthony Joshua and his manager that’s calling him out now. I mean, people want to fight this guy now because he’s such an amazing story. So, ton of opportunities now, everyone is kind of licking their lips who want to fight Francis Ngannou – managers, promoters.
“But I do think we’ll see Francis Ngannou in the cage. I think early 2024 we’ll at least see one mixed martial arts fight. What happens after that? I don’t know honestly, but I do think we will see him. I think Francis is someone who is going to honor this. This wouldn’t have happened without the PFL. I think he’ll come back, will have this one mixed martial arts fight. I think it’s going to help the pay-per-view tremendously for the PFL.”
PFL founder Donn Davis also expresses skepticism about Ngannou’s immediate return to MMA, speculating that his promotional debut will take place in 2024 and suggesting that Jon Jones, the current UFC heavyweight champion, would be an interesting opponent for Ngannou.
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.
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