Francis Ngannou, former UFC champion, is open to facing top-ranked boxers Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua in a boxing match or a mixed rules fight, and believes he could give them a tough competition in their own ring, while they would struggle in an MMA match against him.
Francis Ngannou is a man who likes a challenge. He’s well aware that if he wants to take on the likes of Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua, he’ll either need to step into the boxing ring or agree to a mixed rules bout.
While he’d love another shot at Tyson Fury, the heavyweight boxing champion, Ngannou has other options. His near-upset in his professional boxing debut has made him a tempting prospect for many top-ranked boxers. Joshua, for one, has promised to knock out the former UFC champ if they ever meet.
Ngannou’s response to Joshua? He’s heard it all before. He’s been in the game long enough to know there’s a big difference between wanting to do something and actually being able to do it.
If Joshua is serious about a fight, Ngannou is ready to accept the challenge. However, he’s under no illusions that it would have to be a boxing match. He’s confident that the 2012 Olympic gold medalist wouldn’t stand a chance in an MMA fight.
Ngannou believes his versatility sets him apart from the world’s best boxers. He can hold his own in the ring, but he doesn’t think any boxer could realistically compete with him in MMA.
Ngannou is open to fighting Joshua in the ring or the octagon. He’s comfortable in either setting, although he admits the octagon is his comfort zone. He’s confident he can put his opponents in a tight spot, regardless of the venue.
Ngannou’s confidence extends to his MMA territory. He’s sure that if any boxer dared to enter, they’d need some concessions. Yet, when he steps into the ring, he’s not given any advantages and still manages to give his opponents a tough time.
Deontay Wilder is another potential opponent for Ngannou. He has more faith in Wilder’s ability to hold his own in MMA than he does in Joshua’s.
Wilder, who’s fighting Joseph Parker in December, has expressed interest in crossing over to MMA. There’s even talk of a mixed-rules fight between Wilder and Ngannou in 2024.
Ngannou is confident that Wilder could hold his own in MMA, even against someone other than himself. He’d even put money on Wilder, especially now that he’s seriously training for MMA.
Ngannou acknowledges that a mixed rules fight might be the best option for Wilder. He thinks it would be too difficult for Wilder to compete in a pure MMA match.
Ngannou sees Wilder as a realistic opponent, either in boxing or MMA. However, he’s still waiting to find out who his next opponent will be.
Ngannou reveals that there were talks with Wilder even before his fight with Tyson. Wilder, it seems, is also open to an MMA fight with Ngannou.