Deontay Wilder Confirms Plans to Enter MMA, Eyes Francis Ngannou Showdown
Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is making waves with his recent confirmation of plans to cross over into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), with discussions ongoing about a potential bout against Francis Ngannou. Wilder, known as 'The Bronze Bomber,' last fought in boxing when he defeated Robert Helenius last year. His next opponent was originally set to be Andy Ruiz Jr. as per the WBC's orders, but talks with both 'The Destroyer' and Anthony Joshua fell through, leaving Wilder without a fight. The idea of Deontay Wilder facing Francis Ngannou in an MMA clash is gaining momentum. Ngannou, known as 'The Predator,' recently had his boxing debut, narrowly losing to Tyson Fury in a split-decision bout. This experience appears to have reignited talks between the two fighters regarding a potential MMA showdown. In a recent interview with Blue Blood Sports TV, Wilder shed light on his plans for this crossover move into the world of MMA. Wilder revealed, "People don’t know me and Francis was supposed to fight first. Certain things came up, all I can say is it’s business. That fight took place, which is cool because Francis has made a name for himself... I’m thinking about doing both, UFC and boxing. I’ll be a dangerous man in the UFC with those four-ounce gloves, I broke the hitting machine with those four-ounce gloves." He added, "That was some real stuff. I think it’s the competitive side of me, wanting to do both. Get in there, and just show the ability of what I can do. I don’t think there’s nothing cooler than being a champion in both [sports]." Deontay Wilder's eagerness to venture into MMA and challenge Francis Ngannou, a renowned heavyweight knockout artist, has sparked curiosity and excitement among fight fans. The possibility of witnessing a top-tier boxer transition into the octagon with four-ounce gloves adds a thrilling dimension to the ever-evolving world of combat sports. The potential matchup between Wilder and Ngannou would not only captivate combat sports enthusiasts but could also pave the way for more crossovers between boxing and MMA. As the discussions progress, fans eagerly await official announcements and the opportunity to witness these two heavyweights battle it out in a different arena.
