Francis Ngannou surprisingly challenged by UFC middleweight to a boxing match with bizarre stipulation
Francis Ngannou seemingly has no shortage of opponents calling him out for a fight in the boxing ring. The former UFC heavyweight champion was recently called out by middleweight contender Paulo Costa for a boxing fight, and the ever-outspoken Brazilian even offered to box the Cameroonian without gloves.
'The Predator' exited the UFC earlier this year after a drawn-out contract renegotiation battle with the promotion. Soon after his departure, the Cameroonian made it very clear that he wanted his next fight to be a boxing match and has been linked to several high-profile boxers like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.
While a two-fight (MMA and boxing) deal with Wilder seems close, there are no solid details on the status of that contest. However, 'Borrachinha' seems keen to face Francis Ngannou and recently suggested that he'd be willing to fight the heavyweight in a bare-knuckle boxing fight.
In a recent tweet, Costa respectfully called Ngannou out and stated his stipulations:
"Hey Francis, I heard you’re looking for a boxer opponent. If u prefer, I can put my gloves off too. It’s up to you big brother."
Hey Francis I heard you’re looking for a boxer opponent. If u prefer I can put my gloves off too. It’s up to you big brother 🙌 https://t.co/W6hRrkRkg7
Like Francis Ngannou, Costa has been involved in a contract dispute with the UFC since his last fight against Luke Rockhold at UFC 278. While he was close to becoming a free agent, Costa recently signed a four-fight contract worth $4 million.
Francis Ngannou next fight: 'The Predator' on fighting Deontay Wilder
While Francis Ngannou vs. Paulo Costa may be a pipe dream, combat sports fans could witness the Cameroonian go head-to-head against Deontay Wilder in the near future. 'The Predator' recently opened up about the talks that are underway for him to fight 'The Bronze Bomber' in a two-fight deal.
After free agency, Ngannou received offers from several other promotions like Bellator, BKFC, and ONE Championship. However, the 36-year-old Cameroonian was clear about his intention to enter the boxing ring for his next combat challenge.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Francis Ngannou opened up about a potential boxing match against Wilder and revealed Africa as a possible destination for the fight:
"We are looking into [Deontay Wilder] because he's available. He's ready for that. He's very excited about [a fight]. He wants it. So, we are looking into that. That's something I'm very excited about. We even discussed a potential one fight in Africa and one fight somewhere else. Why not even the two fights in Africa?"
Watch the full interview below: