Combat sports like MMA and boxing give exhilarating chills to their fans, especially when it comes to the heavyweight division. When it comes to the heavyweight division, there is one guy who is in the talks of every MMA and boxing enthusiast, Francis Ngannou. The 37-year-old Cameroonian fighter is known for his exceptional strength and knockout ability.
However, a short while after his defeat against Anthony Joshua, Ngannou suffered a tragic loss as his 15-month-old son left him at such a young age. Ngannou mourned him for a few months and now he is slowly getting back to his old routine.
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick gave an update on Ngannou’s current state of mind.
Ngannou is back in the gym with a smile on his face, talking trash with Sean Strickland, and is currently healing after the loss of his 15-month-old son Kobe . Ngannou says his next fight will be for Kobe.
Eric Nicksick via the MMA Hour
Ngannou is a fierce fighter known for taking on tough opponents. During his time at the UFC, he had a successful run and defeated formidable fighters like Ciryl Gane and Stipe Miocic. However, after his last MMA fight at UFC 270, Ngannou decided to switch to professional boxing.
On October 28, 2023, he made his boxing debut against the renowned WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury. After a grueling 10-round battle, Ngannou lost by split decision. Following this defeat, he was scheduled for a significant fight against Anthony Joshua on March 8, 2024. Unlike the Fury fight, Joshua knocked out Ngannou in the second round. He has yet to secure a victory in professional boxing, fueling his determination to succeed in the sport. However, there is a chance Ngannou could make his PFL MMA debut soon.
PFL Boss says Ngannou is set to make his debut
PFL is an exciting promotion similar to the UFC. The PFL roster includes many former UFC fighters, such as Fabricio Werdum and Anthony Pettis. After signing these fighters, PFL made a lucrative deal to bring in former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Many fighters believe that Ngannou’s signing with PFL will continue to improve the sport of MMA.
Francis Ngannou (via Imago)It’s been over a year since he signed for the promotion, but he hasn’t made his debut yet. However, PFL chairman Donn Davis hinted at a PFL PPV later this year, where we might see Francis Ngannou fighting against Renan Ferreira. Everyone is eagerly anticipating the return of the Predator to the octagon. With Ngannou’s recent upsets in boxing, his return to the cage may not be far off.
