Francis Ngannou's Future: Rematch with Fury, Face Wilder, or MMA Return?
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, may have faced a defeat at the hands of Tyson Fury, but his remarkable performance has ignited speculation about his next move. With options aplenty, fans are eager to see what the "baddest man on the planet" will choose. A Rematch with Fury: The most obvious option is a rematch with Tyson Fury. Ngannou's incredible boxing debut left him feeling like he should have won the fight. He's keen on a second meeting with Fury, having showcased his ability to match Fury's pace, adapt to his moves, and even drop him in the third round. Facing Deontay Wilder: Deontay Wilder, the hard-hitting heavyweight, is another enticing prospect. While Wilder's first choice is Anthony Joshua, a bout with Ngannou could draw substantial attention. If Joshua isn't in the running, Ngannou's fame makes him an ideal matchup. Joshua as an Opponent: Though less likely, a showdown with Anthony Joshua is not entirely out of the question. Joshua, a former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, may see Ngannou as a legitimate opponent following his efforts against Fury. Return to MMA and PFL: Ngannou has expressed interest in returning to mixed martial arts (MMA). In that case, he might set his sights on the PFL heavyweight championship. With Renan Ferreira and Denis Goltsov set to fight for it, Ngannou could potentially challenge the winner. His reputation for offering substantial paydays to opponents could make this an attractive opportunity. Other Boxing Contenders: Several high-level fighters are eager to lure Ngannou back to the boxing ring. Martin Bakole, Zhilei Zhang, Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce, Ryan Bader, Linton Vassell, and Vadim Nemkov are among the potential opponents. Ngannou's fame and the unique nature of his loss to Fury make him a sought-after competitor in the boxing world. Francis Ngannou's future is uncertain, but one thing is sure: he has a world of options to choose from, ensuring fans will eagerly anticipate his next move in the world of combat sports.