Francis Ngannou interested in Deontay Wilder boxing match, dismisses ex-WBC champion's chances in MMA fight: "Don't be delusional here"
Francis Ngannou isn't done with the squared circle. 'The Predator' likes the idea of boxing former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Both men are considered among the hardest hitters in their respective sport and a super-fight between the pair has all the makings of a pay-per-view blockbuster.
During a recent interview with talkSport, the former UFC heavyweight champion noted his interest in taking on Wilder. However, the Cameroonian was quick to dismiss 'The Bronze Bomber's' chances in the MMA:
"[I'd like to face him] In pure boxing. Don't be delusional here, that is where we both stand a chance... If we go like mixed martial arts, only one man stands a chance... A fight is never too easy, but [it will be] close to too easy."
Catch Francis Ngannou's comments below:
Ngannou was last seen in action in a crushing second-round KO loss to former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua earlier this year in Riyadh.
However, 'The Predator' previously put up a compelling performance in his boxing debut against former WBC heavyweight kingpin Tyson Fury in 2023. While Ngannou ultimately lost the fight on the scorecards, many believe he deserved the judges' nod.
The 37-year-old is now primed for an MMA return. He is set to face the 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants on Oct.19 at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This will be the first time 'The Predator' will be competing in MMA since his decision win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022.
Joe Rogan says Francis Ngannou won't have an easy fight against Renan Ferreira
So far, 2024 has been nothing but setbacks and tragedies for Francis Ngannou. The MMA superstar suffered the first knockout defeat of his career in March, and in April, his 15-month-old son Kobe tragically passed away. Ngannou will look to turn things around with a return to the win column later this year in his PFL debut.
However, Joe Rogan believes 'The Predator' will have a hard time against Renan Ferreira. In the UFC 305 Fight Companion episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the veteran commentator said:
"Not an easy fight [against Renan Ferreira]... You are coming off of a knockout, also unfortunately the death of his son, which is a horrible tragedy. How can a guy be able to completely prepare just emotionally to fight when your son just died? That'll haunt you, no matter how strong you are physically, no matter how strong you are mentally."
Catch Joe Rogan's comments on Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira below: