November 2, 2023 1:00 pm ET
Francis Ngannou’s beautiful debut efficiency vs. Tyson Fury has opened up a plethora of alternatives for him within the ring, however what about MMA?
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou surpassed expectations when he misplaced a close split decision to WBC heavyweight champ Fury of their crossover boxing match this previous Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Ngannou had the higher moments within the struggle, even knocking down Fury in Round 3.
Ngannou’s identify already has been linked to boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, which PFL analyst Kenny Florian believes casts doubt on a right away MMA return. However Florian has religion that Ngannou will maintain up his finish of the deal, which allowed him the flexibleness to field.
“I’d be mendacity if I stated it wasn’t a priority proper now as a result of he has the power to be a star in a totally completely different sport now,” Florian stated on his “Anik & Florian” podcast. “That simply opened up a ton of alternatives for him not solely within the rematch with Tyson Fury, you might have Anthony Joshua and his supervisor that’s calling him out now. I imply, folks need to struggle this man now as a result of he’s such an incredible story. So, ton of alternatives now, everyone seems to be type of licking their lips who need to struggle Francis Ngannou – managers, promoters.
“However I do assume we’ll see Francis Ngannou within the cage. I feel early 2024 we’ll at the least see one blended martial arts struggle. What occurs after that? I don’t know actually, however I do assume we’ll see him. I feel Francis is somebody who’s going to honor this. This wouldn’t have occurred with out the PFL. I feel he’ll come again, can have this one blended martial arts struggle. I feel it’s going to assist the pay-per-view tremendously for the PFL.” Even PFL founder Donn Davis doubts Ngannou competes in MMA next. Whereas he expects his promotional debut in 2024, he doesn’t see any attention-grabbing fights for him in MMA outdoors of Jon Jones, who’s the present UFC heavyweight champion.
For extra on the matchup, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for Fury vs. Ngannou.
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