Francis Ngannou, the previous UFC heavyweight champion and present PFL titleholder, has supplied readability on when he plans to return to competitors. The Cameroon-born is open to each MMA and boxing, seeking to schedule a match late 2025 or early 2026 for Francis Ngannou’s subsequent battle.
When Is Francis Ngannou’s Subsequent Combat?
Talking lately in an interview with Ariel Helwani, Ngannou emphasised that he stays energetic and motivated to battle, stating, On Francis Ngannou’s subsequent battle, he mentioned: “I’ve been coaching, making ready. I need extra fights. I’m not retired. I wish to keep energetic. I need yet one more battle this yr or early subsequent yr.”
Francis Ngannou vacated the UFC heavyweight title when his contract expired in January 2023. He shortly signed with the Skilled Fighters League, a deal that allowed him to field. His first boxing match got here towards Tyson Fury in October 2023, the place he dropped the WBC champion however misplaced a cut up resolution. In March 2024, Ngannou confronted Anthony Joshua and suffered a second-round knockout. Regardless of the loss, Ngannou made no secret of his intent to proceed preventing in each disciplines.
On October 19, 2024, Ngannou returned to MMA within the PFL, dealing with Renan Ferreira in Riyadh. He gained by first-round stoppage, dedicating the victory to his late son, Kobe, who died in April 2024. His efficiency in that bout marked his first combined martial arts look since January 2022. Ngannou’s return underneath the PFL banner additionally highlighted his dedication to remain energetic in MMA. A place reiterated by his head coach, Eric Nicksick, who famous that Ngannou has by no means stopped coaching in all sides of MMA, together with wrestling and grappling.
Ngannou’s PFL contract nonetheless consists of at the very least one MMA battle, and the promotion has signaled its willingness to co-promote occasions if that aligns with enterprise pursuits – so long as it is sensible for the fighter and the corporate.
In parallel with MMA, Ngannou is pursuing a boxing match towards Deontay Wilder, aiming to safe the bout earlier than yr’s finish. Wilder, 39, final fought in June 2025, and each fighters have expressed mutual curiosity within the crossover match. Ngannou has described the Wilder battle as his most popular leisure venture in both boxing or MMA and confirmed ongoing discussions, although no formal settlement has been introduced.
Ngannou’s schedule stays versatile. He has the liberty to combine boxing and MMA underneath his PFL contract. For now, he’ll proceed coaching in Las Vegas, splitting time between boxing pads, the wrestling mat, and MMA sparring periods, making certain he stays in peak situation for whichever self-discipline materializes subsequent – This yr or early 2026.
