Turki Alalshikh reveals choices for Francis Ngannou’s subsequent combat: “One in MMA and one in Boxing”

Saudi Arabian promoter Turki Alalshikh has opened up on what’s subsequent for PFL champion Francis Ngannou.

‘The Predator’ is recent off his return to the cage earlier this 12 months in Saudi Arabia. In October, Francis Ngannou competed in his first MMA combat in almost three years towards Renan Ferreira. Resulting from accidents, in addition to a stint within the boxing ring, the previous UFC champion hadn’t competed since a January 2022 win over Ciryl Gane.

Ultimately, it took lower than a spherical for Francis Ngannou to dispatch of ‘Problema’. Following the knockout win, the newly topped PFL Superfights heavyweight champion revealed curiosity in a quick turnaround. Following his PFL debut, Ngannou mentioned plans for a return in the spring. Nonetheless, no potential opponents have been linked to his subsequent bout.

Properly, it appears that evidently Turki Alalshikh has a couple of matchups in thoughts for ‘The Predator’. The Saudi Arabian promoter has shut ties with Francis Ngannou, having labored to advertise his boxing matches with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. It’s additionally value noting that the Saudi’s PIF has reportedly invested upwards of 100 million {dollars} into the PFL final 12 months.

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(through PFL MMA)

Turki Alalshikh reveals what’s subsequent for PFL heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou

Talking in a current interview with Ariel Helwani, Turki Alalshikh revealed that there are a number of choices for the heavyweight’s subsequent bout. Whereas the promoter didn’t title all of them, he did present curiosity in reserving Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ called out the PFL star final month, having not competed since his June knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang.

“Why don’t we see [Francis] Ngannou towards [Deontay] Wilder?” Turki Alalshikh said within the interview with Ariel Helwani. “I would like to sit down with Wilder. In [just] two minutes, I can gauge his situation and decide if he’s prepared or not. I don’t need to waste money and time anymore, I must examine first if he’s nonetheless acquired it.”

He continued, “Now we have a number of enterprise collectively. I’ve two choices on the desk for Francis: One in MMA and one in boxing. I need to focus on them with him.” (h/t MMA News)

What do you make of those feedback about Francis Ngannou? Who do you need to see the PFL champion face subsequent?