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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)

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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)
Newly minted heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has come out and accepted all challengers who are vying for his gold belt. Ngannou snagged the undisputed title from heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic after KO’ing the Cleveland native in round two. ‘The Predator’ put out a show-stopping performance and more importantly showed improvements in all facets of the game.
Francis Ngannou showed major improvements from his first meeting with Miocic that took place back in 2018. ‘The Predator’ managed to be efficient with his energy and also stuffed a takedown that came in off a rushed attempt by Miocic. With a KO coming early in the second round, Ngannou now has multiple opponents that he can face next.
Whoever.
Sincerely, the King 🤴🏿 https://t.co/KhUwANEZY3
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) March 28, 2021
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Francis Ngannou: Where does he go from here?
The Cameroonian native is arguably one of the most exciting UFC heavyweight champions the company has ever seen. Brock Lesnar is perhaps the only other combatant who can rival Ngannou in terms of popularity and mass appeal. Ngannou has an incredible backstory, vicious KO power, and an affable personality making him a marketable fighter.

In terms of options going forward, Jon Jones is the clear-cut front runner simply due to the implications. Jones would be making his heavyweight debut and fans can’t wait to see how he performs against a behemoth like Ngannou. Not to mention, the winner of the fight would greatly elevate their legacy in the history books going forward.
However, negotiations with Jones aren’t going to be easy as he’s looking for a meaningful bump-up to face Ngannou. The UFC may move on if the negotiations fall apart, however, fans are clamoring for the match-up. It’s the biggest fight that’s on the table at the moment and would be one for the ages.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 08: Jon Jones in his fight against Dominick Reyes in their UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout during UFC 247 at Toyota Center on February 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
However, Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis are names that the UFC will immediately turn to if they can’t seal the deal with Jones. Both men have a viable case to fight for gold against Ngannou given their strength of schedule.
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Time will be the best indication as to which of the aforementioned bouts comes Ngannou’s way. Regardless, he’s ready for all comers and will do what it takes to remain on top.
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