The biggest question on everyone’s mind when it comes to Francis Ngannou is, what comes next?
Following his impressive showing against reigning WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, fight fans have been waiting with bated breath to know what ‘The Predator’ plans to do next. Initially, all signs pointed toward Ngannou returning to MMA for his long-awaited debut inside the PFL Smart Cage. But after nearly scoring the upset of the century against ‘The Gypsy King’ last weekend, many believe that he should consider making a legitimate run at a boxing world title.
Speaking about Ngannou’s impressive performance in Riyadh, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier suggested that there are a lot of questions surrounding ‘The Predator’ at this time, but there is one question that no longer needs to be asked.
“There are so many questions now, but the one thing that cannot be questioned… And this is just me telling the 100 percent truth,” Cormier said during a recent episode of DC&RC. “I saw Francis Ngannou outwrestle Ciryl Gane becaue he couldn’t beat him in the striking. Then I saw Francis Ngannou go in there and fight the lineal heavyweight champion of the world and be competitive. Some people thought he won.
“What can’t be questioned anymore is that Francis Ngannou is the baddest man on the planet because in a free fight, I don’t feel like anybody can beat him.”
‘DC’ Suggests Francis Ngannou Could Stick Around the Squared Circle for a Clash with Deontay Wilder
Despite being 0-1 as a professional boxer, Francis Ngannou will find himself ranked in the WBC top ten, potentially setting the stage for a series of high-profile matchups inside the squared circle.
“He over-delivered in that fight so now there’s a world of opportunities still out there for Francis Ngannou,” Cormier said. “Does he actually go to PFL when right now, he could go out there and fight some of the great heavyweights around the world. He could go fight Deontay Wilder and nobody would bat an eyelid. He could fight some of those guys that Tyson Fury fought.”
During an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Francis Ngannou revealed that talks for a matchup with Deontay Wilder are already underway, but it’s possible that the contest could take place inside the PFL Smart Cage rather than the squared circle as either a hybrid-rules fight or full-on MMA.
Dan Hardy, the head of fighter operations for PFL Europe, along with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, suggested former unified world champion Anthony Joshua as a potential opponent for Ngannou should he choose to accept another bout in boxing. Former WBO interim heavyweight champion Joe Joyce has also been mentioned as a prospective opponent.
Needless to say, opportunities are practically beating down Francis Ngannou’s door after his incredible boxing debut. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long to find out what comes next for the former UFC heavyweight champ.
Watch the full episode below:
