Francis Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick has provided grim perception into the previous UFC heavyweight champion’s future, suggesting that mixed-martial arts has successfully taken a again seat to boxing alternatives.
Francis Ngannou: MMA or Boxing?
Talking with MMA Junkie Radio, Nicksick admitted that regardless of common communication with Ngannou, their conversations have centered on private issues somewhat than coaching or cage preparation. “We speak usually, however we simply speak as buddies, ? I do know the Wilder rumors have been kicking round. Talked to him a pair days in the past—it was nearly life and household,” Nicksick revealed.
When requested particularly about Ngannou’s MMA prospects, Nicksick was direct: “It sounds prefer to me what he needs is that Wilder struggle. I haven’t heard far more concerning the MMA aspect of issues in any respect, to be sincere with you”. Nicksick plans to fulfill with Ngannou in Paris subsequent week to evaluate his coaching standing and future plans, however acknowledged that boxing stays the first focus.
The Xtreme Couture head coach’s feedback come at a time when Ngannou seems more and more targeted on securing a boxing match with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
Leaving the UFC
Francis Ngannou’s journey from MMA to boxing started when he left the UFC in January 2023 following a contract dispute, subsequently signing with the Skilled Fighters League in Could of that yr. His PFL deal was structured to permit boxing pursuits, and Ngannou wasted no time capitalizing on this freedom. He confronted WBC champion Tyson Fury in October 2023, delivering a stunning efficiency that noticed him knock down Fury within the third spherical earlier than dropping by cut up resolution. 4 months later, he challenged Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, struggling three knockdowns and a devastating second-round knockout.
Regardless of the setback in opposition to Joshua, Ngannou returned to MMA in October 2024, stopping Renan Ferreira within the first spherical to seize the PFL Tremendous Fights heavyweight title. That victory marked his first MMA look since defending the UFC heavyweight belt in opposition to Ciryl Gane in January 2022. Nonetheless, the triumph seems to have carried out little to rekindle his ardour for cage competitors.
Nicksick expressed frustration with the shift in priorities, reflecting on the productive interval they shared throughout Ngannou’s UFC tenure. “I nonetheless really feel like we have now much more we are able to do in MMA. Sadly, it’s powerful as a result of – after I take a look at our relationship as an entire, when he lived in Vegas throughout the COVID period and we had been preventing for the UFC, , we spent a lot time collectively coaching and constructing that MMA talent set we see him have,” the coach defined.
He continued: “I simply really feel like we had been rising a lot and doing so many nice issues after which impulsively you form of get the rug pulled out from beneath you. I positively miss that development and maturation that we had, having the ability to present new wrinkles in his sport – the wrestling aspect of issues, constructing off attributes we’d been working so onerous to achieve.”
The connection between Ngannou and boxing extends past mere monetary alternative. At 38, the Cameroonian fighter has brazenly expressed his want to safe his first skilled boxing victory after two defeats. Throughout a latest look on The Ariel Helwani Present, Ngannou confirmed his curiosity in dealing with Wilder, stating “Sure, I do” when requested if he wished the struggle, including “We haven’t engaged personally, however it’s gonna be quickly… We’re setting some issues up”.
Wilder’s camp has expressed mutual curiosity, with supervisor Shelly Finkel telling Sky Sports activities that “Deontay could be open to that struggle subsequent yr”. Nonetheless, Finkel clarified that “Deontay Wilder is not going to be dealing with Francis Ngannou in 2025,” indicating the bout would probably happen in 2026. This timeline permits Ngannou to take care of his boxing ambitions whereas probably fulfilling any remaining PFL obligations.
Francis Ngannou May Beat Any Heavyweight in MMA
Nicksick’s evaluation of Ngannou’s MMA capabilities stays optimistic regardless of the unsure future. He believes Ngannou “nonetheless possesses the flexibility to beat anybody” within the heavyweight division, but acknowledges the truth of the state of affairs. The coach’s feedback recommend that with out Ngannou’s private dedication to returning to MMA competitors, even probably the most expert teaching can not pressure a comeback.
