In a surprise appearance, UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou appeared in the ring after Tyson Fury scored a devastating knockout win over Whyte from London, England, on Saturday.
When he knocked out Whyte, Tyson indicated he may be retiring from boxing, however, he welcomed the opportunity to meet with Ngannou, who suggested the fight could take place under hybrid rules inside of the boxing ring.
“I’m the boxing heavyweight champion, [he’s the] UFC heavyweight champion,” Fury said to ESPN after KO win. “He’s in great shape – look at the muscles on him.”
Fury and Ngannou talk hybrid fight.#FuryvsWhyte pic.twitter.com/KaBgGW1Ckb
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) April 23, 2022
Ngannou underwent an operation on his knee after he successfully defended his title against Cyril Gane at UFC 270 in January. This was his final fight with the UFC.
“I want to find out who is the baddest mother*** on the planet.” – Ngannou said
“Good man, Francis,” Fury replied in return.
It is clear that Ngannou is unhappy with his pay and has expressed his refusal to sign a new deal unless the UFC allows him to box. When Ngannou returned from Cameroon, UFC head honcho Dana White was confident the two sides could reach a new agreement.
“I’ve got a couple months, and then I’ll be right back on my feet,” Francis told Fury.
“It’s going to be a hybrid fight with different types of rules, you know,” Ngannou added. “MMA gloves in the ring, kind of mixed up, a little different.”
Fury, who has been expressing an interest in fighting Ngannou for some months now, says the fight will be a major event.
“This is going to be a very special fight like never before seen in the history of our sport,” Fury said. “We’re not talking two light guys, [240 lbs]. he’s 270 pounds, so it’s going to be an explosive fight when it happens.”
The champion’s clause in Ngannou’s UFC contract expires at the end of 2022, allowing him to become a free agent. His clause requires him to stay with the promotion for three fights or a year.
“By the end of this year, we’re going to sort it out and ready to go,” Ngannou said to BT Sport.
"Definitely sometime next year. 2023. That fight will happen!"
"Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou in Africa. The Rumble in the Jungle 2!"@francis_ngannou is adamant the @Tyson_Fury fight will happen! 👀#FuryWhyte pic.twitter.com/h4wuQGGsvO
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) April 23, 2022
Nevertheless, if the UFC was willing to play along, they could make a lot of money by co-promoting the event, as they did with Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor.
