Head coach insists Francis Ngannou knows where he's heading next
Francis Ngannou's head coach Eric Nicksick seemingly believes that the MMA heavyweight superstar knows where he's heading next. UFC President Dana White recently announced that Ngannou hadn't signed a new contract with the UFC and emphasized that 'The Predator' had also been stripped of the UFC heavyweight title while also being released from the UFC.
Ngannou's last combat sports contest was an MMA bout, wherein he secured a unanimous decision victory over Ciryl Gane in January 2022.
Francis Ngannou found himself down on the scorecards but turned to his wrestling and dug deep to beat Cyril Gane 🏆
A five-round heavyweight battle at #UFC270! https://t.co/8KJjfmHFlF
Since unifying the UFC heavyweight title by beating Gane, the Cameroonian-French fighter has been working towards recovering from his knee injury issues. He'd also been embroiled in a contract dispute with the UFC. Regardless, Ngannou is now a free agent who can pursue fights in any combat sport of his choosing.
In the latest edition of The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Eric Nicksick addressed Francis Ngannou's next move. He insinuated that Ngannou would probably reveal his plans during his interview with Helwani tomorrow. Nicksick stated:
"He's got something up his sleeve. I'll let him talk to you about it."
Furthermore, Nicksick spoke about Ciryl Gane posting a cryptic tweet calling out Jon Jones. The tweet was soon followed by the UFC announcing that Gane would fight Jones for the vacant UFC heavyweight title at UFC 285 on March 4. Recalling his conversation with Ngannou about the same, Nicksick said:
"I talked to Francis, and I just said, 'Hey, man, this tweet that Ciryl put out was very calculated. Right? You know that this is how these guys work.' He [Ngannou] goes, 'I know.' So, I said, 'What's next?' And he just said, 'You know, bubba, I got something up my sleeve.' And that's all. I just giggled. I was like, 'Alright, man.' So, I believe in him, man. I think he's got something in the works."
Watch Nicksick discuss the topic at 13:20 in the video below:
Former star pugilist advises Francis Ngannou against transitioning from MMA to boxing
Over the past few years, Francis Ngannou and boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury have hinted at wanting to fight each other. Moreover, in April 2022, Ngannou and 'The Gypsy King' met inside the squared circle and claimed that they could clash in a mixed/hybrid rules fight.
Boxing’s Heavyweight Champion standing next to the UFC Heavyweight Champion.
Francis Ngannou says that him and Tyson Fury will fight under hybrid rules.
In a boxing ring but with MMA gloves.
https://t.co/UmndMNgyzX
Francis Ngannou has expressed his willingness to compete in professional boxing bouts as well. Speaking of which, former WBC cruiserweight titleholder Tony Bellew recently cautioned Ngannou against making the move to boxing. Opining that 'The Predator' would lose to top-tier pro boxers, Bellew tweeted:
"Terrible shame! He will not survive in a boxing ring against anyone of any note.. He’s the best MMA heavyweight in the world right now and he needs to stay within his discipline."
Check out Bellew's tweet below:
@arielhelwani Terrible shame! He will not survive in a boxing ring against anyone of any note.. He’s the best MMA heavyweight in the world right now and he needs to stay within his discipline.. 🤞