Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 27: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon reacts after his victory over Stipe Miocic in their UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 260 event at UFC APEX on March 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 27: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon reacts after his victory over Stipe Miocic in their UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 260 event at UFC APEX on March 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Newly crowned UFC champion Francis Ngannou has a plethora of options for his next opponent. As the Cameroonian holds the title, he could face any of the top names in the promotion. However, the ‘Predator’ is not ruling out a crossover fight as yet.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
All the talk after Ngannou’s victory has been regarding his next opponent. After such a devastating victory over Stipe Miocic, many believe it will be hard to find a suitable foe to stand across the cage from him. In addition, Ngannou has expressed his desire to move to boxing.
Getty
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 28: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at the Target Center on June 28, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The newly crowned champion spoke to ESPN MMA on YouTube. When Ariel Helwani asked him about a potential bout with current heavyweight champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, Ngannou didn’t completely shut it down.
The Predator said, “Yea, this is in the future. This is somewhere…. oh, definitely. I’m going to box. I mean, if that’s the question. I have to box before [the end] in my career.” Ngannou then added, “My main dream has always been a noble art. And even if, at some point, I deviate and get into MMA, which I love, but I still have to fulfill something in boxing.”
READ: Does Stipe Miocic Deserve Trilogy Fight Against Francis Ngannou Or Should UFC Book Jon Jones Next?
Why would Francis Ngannou want to move to Boxing?
With these comments, the champion clarified that a boxing fight is not out of the question for him. Despite only conquering the heavyweight division last weekend, Ngannou feels he is ready for a new challenge. So why would he pick boxing?
It is no secret that the current UFC champion started boxing before he got into MMA. However, as his comments suggested, he got ‘deviated’ into MMA and has experienced immense success. But this leaves him with unfinished business in the ‘sweet science.’
Besides, he would not be the first MMA fighter to move to boxing after becoming a champion. Conor McGregor did it in 2017 after making history and becoming a two-weight world champion. ‘The Notorious’ took on Floyd Mayweather and gave a good account of himself.
If Ngannou is to move to Boxing and take on the heavyweight champion, it will be interesting to see if he can hold his own against the professional boxers.
What do you make of these comments from Francis Ngannou? Do you think the heavyweight champion will succeed in boxing?
