At 38 years old, Francis Ngannou finds himself in the twilight of a remarkable career. The Cameroonian powerhouse has faced incredible challenges, including the devastating loss of his 15-month-old son, Kobe. Yet, he showcased his resilience and skill by dominating Renan Ferreira in his recent PFL bout, reminding the world why he remains one of the best in the game.

As Ngannou contemplates what could be his final fight, one name has emerged as a top contender: Deontay Wilder. Echoing this sentiment is Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, who recently spoke with The Schmo to provide a significant update on what might be next for the former UFC heavyweight champion.

“I’d like to see him box again,” Nicksick said. “I think he deserves the opportunity to step into the boxing ring once more. Wilder makes the most sense, in my opinion. He’s the kind of opponent who will move the needle and generate the excitement Francis deserves.”, the Xtreme Couture head coach added.

Deontay Wilder has emerged as the top contender for Francis Ngannou’s potential final fight, and for good reason. Speaking to TMZ, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ expressed his interest in facing Ngannou, saying, “Yeah, that’s a combination station. I’m still looking to get in there, in the mix, and talk about it.” The matchup aligns with Ngannou’s own dream of stepping into the ring against the former heavyweight boxing champion before hanging up his gloves.

Wilder, once the most feared heavyweight boxer, has faced a tough stretch in recent years, losing four of his last five bouts and struggling to recapture his former dominance. Nevertheless, the allure of a showdown between two of the most powerful punchers in combat sports remains undeniable.

Where will ‘The Predator’ land next?

“The sky is the limit for Francis”, said MMA legend Randy Couture in a recent interview with Inside Fighting, praising Francis Ngannou’s boundless ambition and spirit. Couture added, “Is he going to go back and try his hand at boxing? I know Eric (Nicksick) is encouraging him to stay in MMA. That’s a case of ‘dance with the one that rang you,’ right?”

Couture’s remarks highlight the value of staying grounded while embracing new opportunities. For the French Cameroonian, that balance between legacy and reinvention could define the next chapter of his career.

Meanwhile, Ngannou reaffirmed his interest in a showdown with Deontay Wilder during an interview with TMZ Sports. “Since we spoke, nothing has changed,” he said, making it clear the fight is still very much on his radar. “In my vision, if I only have a couple of fights left, I’d like that to be one of them.”

At the same time, Ngannou hinted that he’s open to exploring other opportunities within the MMA realm suggesting that his journey in combat sports might still hold surprises. According to MMA Orbit, “GLORY kickboxing CEO Marshall Zelaznik has told @arielhelwani that he’d be open to conversations with the PFL about making a fight between Rico Verhoeven and Francis Ngannou.” The duo have had interactions in the past and Verhoeven not only trained with him but also called him for a boxing match.

Given Francis Ngannou’s recent victory in his PFL debut, a potential match with Rico Verhoeven, the reigning Glory Kickboxing Heavyweight Champion, has become a highly anticipated matchup. The two fighters have a history, with Verhoeven expressing interest in a boxing match against Ngannou even before the latter departed from the UFC.

What’s next for The Predator? Should he return to MMA, pursue his boxing dreams, or consider other paths? Share your thoughts in the comments below!