Francis Ngannou has multiple options in front of him, including continuing his boxing career with potentially lucrative fights against top heavyweights, or fulfilling his deal with PFL and fighting in the SmartCage.
Francis Ngannou is now considered the king of combat sports following his highly controversial fight against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. With Ngannou’s newfound fame, the question on everyone’s minds is what he will do next. As a former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou has a plethora of options available to him. He could make his PFL debut in early 2024 or pursue a career in professional boxing. MMA Fighting’s experts offer their predictions on Ngannou’s next move.
One perspective is that Ngannou should focus solely on boxing. After his impressive performance against Fury, there is no reason for him to return to MMA, at least not in the foreseeable future. Ngannou has already garnered attention from boxing promoters, such as Eddie Hearn, who are eager to book a fight with him. Given his current momentum, Ngannou should prioritize seizing the opportunity for significant boxing paydays. The suggested opponent in this scenario is Deontay Wilder, as their match would generate enormous anticipation and buzz in the boxing world.
On the other hand, it is believed that Ngannou will honor his commitment to the PFL. Despite his newfound stardom, Ngannou is known for keeping his word. The PFL has shown faith in him, and Ngannou is likely to reciprocate by fulfilling the terms of their deal. A fight against a random heavyweight opponent in the PFL SmartCage would still generate considerable excitement and maintain Ngannou’s current momentum.
Another perspective is that Ngannou should venture into both boxing and the PFL simultaneously. This would allow him to capitalize on his recent success while participating in both combat sports. The suggestion is to introduce PFL Boxing, where Ngannou could have a one-off fight against the winner of PFL’s upcoming heavyweight tournament. This arrangement could prove lucrative for Ngannou, attract a significant viewership, and establish him as the inaugural PFL Boxing heavyweight champion.
However, one dissenting opinion is that Ngannou should prioritize boxing over the PFL. Given his remarkable performance against Fury, Ngannou’s potential in boxing far surpasses what the PFL can offer him. Waiting for a rematch with Fury or taking on opponents like Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua would yield more substantial financial rewards. Ngannou is advised to strike while the iron is hot and make the most of his current momentum.
In conclusion, Ngannou’s future in combat sports is wide open, and he has various paths to choose from. Whether he pursues boxing, fulfills his commitment to the PFL, or ventures into both simultaneously, Ngannou’s next move will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike.