Francis Ngannou provides update on Deontay Wilder fight and MMA return

Francis Ngannou has expressed his desire to face Deontay Wilder in the ring, following the PFL star's admission that talks between the two camps are set to take place.

Ngannou, who left UFC two years ago, signed a lucrative deal with PFL but not before dipping his toes into the world of professional boxing. He made his debut in October 2023 against Tyson Fury, in what was expected to be an easy win for the 'Gypsy King'.

However, Ngannou proved to be a formidable opponent, even managing to floor the Brit, although he ultimately lost by split decision after a thrilling bout. He returned to the ring in March 2024 to face Anthony Joshua, but this time the fight was more one-sided, with Joshua delivering a knockout blow in the second round.

In October, Ngannou made his PFL debut, defeating Renan Ferreira in the first round. Despite it being nearly a year since his last fight, the 38-year-old has no immediate plans to return to the SmartCage, reports All Out Fighting. Instead, he is setting his sights on a showdown with Wilder.

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The heavyweight from Cameroon has been vocal about wanting to fight the 'Bronze Bomber' and it appears that discussions between the two teams will soon take place. When questioned about a potential return to MMA this year, Ngannou dismissed the idea, stating that his focus is firmly on boxing.

"There's nothing yet, I don't think they have an opening for me, so we will wait," Ngannou told Ariel Helwani about his return to MMA. "We still have time. Meanwhile, we're trying on the Deontay Wilder fight." When pressed about whether Ngannou fancies a bout with the American heavyweight, the 38-year-old responded: "Yes. I do." He continued: "We haven't engaged personally, but it's gonna be soon. We are setting some things up, but I keep training. I'm training."

Wilder is considered the third pillar of the division's elite triumvirate, alongside Fury and Joshua, before Oleksandr Usyk entered the heavyweight scene. The 'Bronze Bomber' was a devastating presence, delivering numerous savage knockout triumphs as champion before falling to Fury.

Following his second defeat to Fury in 2021, the boxing veteran bounced back with victory over Robert Helenius, only to endure consecutive setbacks against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. He secured his first triumph in almost three years this past June, overcoming Tyrrell Anthony Herndon.

In the same interview with Helwani, Ngannou later asked if the fight is his top choice across all sports and opponents. “I would say so, since the Jon Jones fight is off," said Ngannou. "It [the Jones fight] cannot be a part of my top choice.” Both Ngannou and Jon Jones have been tipped to fight each other for quite some time, but nothing has ever materialised.

Regarding the potential clash, Ngannou admitted: “No, it never got off the ground. For sure, the UFC doesn’t want anything to do with co-promotion stuff. I think even Turki [Alalshikh] tried to make that fight happen. They don’t want it.” On the American's retirement, Ngannou speculated: “Maybe that was his own maneuver of negotiation. Retirement doesn’t mean anything. If he decides tomorrow that he’s fighting, then that retirement is void. It means nothing. Nobody will stop him if he keeps training. That doesn’t change anything.”

When is Francis Ngannou's next fight?

It's been nearly a year since Ngannou last stepped into the ring. The PFL recently hosted two historic events in Africa, and Ngannou played a significant role in introducing MMA to his cherished continent. However, many were left puzzled as to why he did not participate in either of the two cards. Explaining why he did not fight, he said: "For example, like if you want to know what exactly is the reason why I wasn't there. I wasn't very okay with the first PFL Africa event seeming to be like an undercard.

"Quoting him, we work a lot for that, PFL Africa, but I hoped PFL Africa's debut would have at least have its glory, its moment. But that wasn't my decision and I wasn't down for it. I express my feeling to them." With Ngannou apparently keen to take on Wilder, a potential clash could happen before the year ends. The 'Bronze Bomber' disclosed prior to his comeback that he's aiming for two fights this year and remains willing to face the former UFC heavyweight champion.