Francis Ngannou's Next Fight: What's The 2022 Plan?

Hey guys! Are you as hyped as I am about Francis Ngannou's next move? Francis Ngannou, the Predator himself, has taken the MMA world by storm, and everyone's wondering who he'll be facing next. Let's dive into the details and explore the possibilities for his 2022 fight plan. This is going to be epic, so buckle up!

The Reigning Champ: A Recap of Ngannou's Journey

Before we jump into the future, let's take a quick look back at what makes Francis Ngannou such a force to be reckoned with. Born in Cameroon, Ngannou's journey to the top is nothing short of inspirational. From humble beginnings to becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion, his story is one of perseverance and sheer power. His knockout power is legendary, earning him a reputation as one of the most feared strikers in the game. Seriously, guys, his punches are like a force of nature!

Ngannou's career highlights include some absolutely devastating finishes against top-tier opponents. We're talking names like Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos, and Stipe Miocic. His rematch against Miocic at UFC 260 was a defining moment, where he showcased improved wrestling and grappling skills to complement his already lethal striking. This victory solidified his place at the top of the heavyweight division. The guy is a beast! Ngannou's journey to the top is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

His powerful performances and compelling backstory have made him a fan favorite and a significant draw for the UFC. Every time he steps into the Octagon, you know you're in for a show. The anticipation for his next fight is always high, and 2022 was no exception. So, what's next for the champ? Let's break it down.

The Contractual Conundrum: Ngannou's UFC Status

One of the biggest factors influencing Ngannou's next fight has been his contractual situation with the UFC. Leading up to and following his victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022, Ngannou's contract became a major talking point. There were disagreements over pay, contract terms, and his desire to pursue boxing opportunities. It was a real rollercoaster, guys!

Ngannou made it clear that he wanted a contract that recognized his value and allowed him the flexibility to explore other ventures, particularly a potential boxing match against Tyson Fury. This put him at odds with the UFC, and negotiations became quite public and, at times, tense. The situation raised important questions about fighter pay and the balance of power between athletes and promotions.

The UFC, on the other hand, has its own perspective on these negotiations. They have a business to run and need to ensure that their interests are protected. Contract negotiations in combat sports are often complex and can involve a lot of back-and-forth. The back-and-forth negotiations added a layer of uncertainty to Ngannou's fighting future. Would he stay with the UFC? Would he explore free agency? These were the questions on everyone's mind.

Ultimately, Ngannou and the UFC were unable to reach an agreement. In January 2023, it was announced that Ngannou had been stripped of the UFC Heavyweight Championship and released from his contract. This marked a significant turning point in his career and opened up a whole new realm of possibilities. It was a shock to many fans, but it also set the stage for what could be some exciting matchups outside of the UFC.

Potential Opponents: Who Could Be Next?

With his UFC contract behind him, the possibilities for Francis Ngannou's future opponents are incredibly exciting. There are opportunities in both MMA and boxing, and fans are eager to see where he lands. Let's explore some of the potential matchups that have been generating buzz.

Boxing Superfight: Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder

A potential boxing match against either Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder has been a dream matchup for many fans. Ngannou has expressed his desire to test his skills in the boxing ring, and a fight against either of these heavyweight titans would be a massive event. Imagine the power these guys could unleash! It's the kind of crossover fight that could break records.

Tyson Fury, the current WBC Heavyweight Champion, is known for his incredible boxing skills and charismatic personality. A fight between Fury and Ngannou would be a clash of two of the biggest personalities in combat sports. The trash talk alone would be worth the price of admission! Fury's boxing prowess combined with Ngannou's raw power would make for an explosive encounter.

Deontay Wilder, with his devastating knockout power, is another intriguing option. Wilder's fights are always exciting, and a matchup against Ngannou would be a guaranteed barnburner. Both fighters possess the kind of one-punch power that can end a fight in an instant. It's a fight that could very well end with a highlight-reel knockout.

MMA Return: PFL or Bellator?

If Ngannou decides to continue his MMA career, promotions like the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Bellator are potential destinations. Both organizations have been making moves to attract top talent, and Ngannou would be a massive addition to either roster. These promotions are eager to sign big names, and Ngannou certainly fits the bill.

The PFL's unique season format, with a million-dollar prize for the winner, could be appealing to Ngannou. The chance to compete against a roster of hungry heavyweights and potentially walk away with a huge payday is definitely enticing. Plus, the PFL is known for its innovative approach to MMA, which could provide a fresh challenge for Ngannou.

Bellator, with its established heavyweight division and history of putting on exciting fights, is another strong contender. A potential matchup against Bellator Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader or other top contenders like Fedor Emelianenko (before his retirement) would be huge. Bellator has a reputation for showcasing exciting fights, and Ngannou would instantly become one of their biggest stars.

Other MMA Possibilities

Beyond the PFL and Bellator, there are other MMA organizations around the world that could be interested in signing Ngannou. ONE Championship, for example, has a growing global presence and a roster of talented fighters. A move to ONE would open up new matchups and opportunities for Ngannou to expand his brand in Asia.

The possibilities are truly endless, and the MMA world is watching closely to see where Ngannou will land. His decision will have a significant impact on the heavyweight landscape, and fans are eager to see him back in action.

The Boxing Deal with PFL and the Anthony Joshua Fight

In May 2023, Francis Ngannou signed a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to compete in their new PFL PPV division. This deal allows him to compete in MMA and boxing, giving him the flexibility he desired. It's a win-win situation for Ngannou, as he can pursue both of his passions.

This deal was huge news, guys! It not only secured Ngannou's future in MMA but also paved the way for him to pursue his boxing dreams. The PFL is committed to supporting Ngannou's boxing career, which means we could see him in some massive matchups in the sweet science.

The most significant development stemming from this deal was the announcement of Ngannou's boxing debut against former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. This fight was officially announced in July 2023 and took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 28, 2023. It was a clash of titans, guys! The Anthony Joshua fight was a massive opportunity for Ngannou to showcase his skills on the global stage.

Although Ngannou lost the fight against Joshua via a brutal second-round knockout, his performance leading up to the fight was impressive. He showcased his power and athleticism, and his debut in the boxing world was highly anticipated. Despite the loss, Ngannou proved that he belongs in the ring with the best boxers in the world. He gave it his all, and that's what matters.

What's Next for Ngannou After the Joshua Fight?

Following his fight with Anthony Joshua, the question on everyone's mind is, "What's next for Francis Ngannou?" There are several exciting possibilities on the horizon, both in boxing and MMA. Ngannou has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in both sports, and his future is looking bright.

Potential Boxing Matchups

Even after his loss to Joshua, Ngannou has shown that he can compete at the highest level of boxing. This opens the door for potential matchups against other top heavyweight boxers. Names like Deontay Wilder and a rematch with Anthony Joshua have been mentioned as possibilities. These fights would be huge draws and would give Ngannou another chance to showcase his boxing skills.

A rematch with Joshua is particularly intriguing. Despite the knockout loss, Ngannou showed flashes of brilliance in their first fight. With more experience in the boxing ring, he could pose an even greater threat to Joshua in a potential rematch. Plus, the rematch would be a massive event, generating huge interest from fans around the world.

Return to MMA with PFL

Ngannou's deal with the PFL allows him to compete in MMA as well, and a return to the cage is definitely a possibility. The PFL has a growing roster of talented heavyweights, and Ngannou would instantly become one of the promotion's biggest stars. Potential opponents in the PFL include the winner of their heavyweight tournament and other top contenders.

Ngannou's return to MMA would be highly anticipated by fans who have missed seeing him compete in the sport. His combination of knockout power and improved grappling skills makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the world. It will be interesting to see how he balances his boxing and MMA careers moving forward.

The Future is Bright

No matter what Ngannou decides to do next, one thing is clear: his future is bright. He is one of the most exciting and marketable athletes in combat sports, and he has the potential to achieve even greater things. Whether it's in the boxing ring or the MMA cage, Ngannou will continue to entertain and inspire fans around the world. He's a true warrior, guys!

Conclusion: The Predator's Path Forward

So, there you have it, guys! The journey of Francis Ngannou is far from over. His move to the PFL and his boxing debut against Anthony Joshua have opened up exciting new chapters in his career. While the loss to Joshua was a setback, it doesn't diminish Ngannou's accomplishments or his potential for future success.

Whether he continues to pursue boxing matchups or returns to MMA with the PFL, Ngannou's next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. One thing is for sure: the Predator will always be a force to be reckoned with. We can't wait to see what he does next! What do you guys think? Who should Ngannou fight next? Let's discuss in the comments below!