2024 was a trying calendar year for former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Francis Ngannou dealt with a lot of hard moments in and out of fighting in 2024. But he also ended the year with a triumphant showing in his PFL debut, finishing 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in mere minutes.
Outside of the cage, Ngannou suffered the heartbreaking loss of his son, Kobe, to a brain condition in April. He was just 15 months old.
Just before the death of his son, Ngannou suffered a lopsided knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in his professional boxing return in March. It was his second consecutive loss after falling to Tyson Fury by split decision last year.
After experiencing an incredibly difficult last 12 months in and out of fighting, Ngannou is ready to turn the page in 2025, as he shared on social media.
Francis Ngannou reflects after ‘Worst year ever’
Ngannou posted a New Year’s Eve message to his followers on X.
“Can’t wait for this year (2024) to be over. It’s been by far my worst year ever,” Ngannou posted.
In response to Ngannou’s heartbreaking message, his fans flocked to support him as the new year approaches.
“But best in terms of money made,” one fan wrote.
“Make 2025 your best year. This one was a bad one for me too, it’s all good champ.”
“Same for me brotha but let’s make 2025 a year to remember.”
“You’ll be back better champ.”
“Keep your head up big dawg.”
“I hope you have a great 2025, champ. You deserve the best in your life.”
Ngannou is looking ahead to an eventual return to fighting in 2025, whether that be in MMA or boxing. Several big-name fights are on his radar, including a possible rematch against Fury after falling just short of the upset in their first fight.
Francis Ngannou linked to several high-profile fights for 2025 return
Ngannou could also potentially negotiate a crossover fight against Glory Kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven for his PFL return, as has been discussed in recent months. A fight with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, while extremely unlikely, is still something that the former titleholder is interested in.
Ngannou parted ways from the UFC in 2023 following a rocky contract dispute with the promotion. Jones went on to capture the then-vacant UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
Ngannou is one of the greatest knockout artists in UFC history, finishing the likes of Stipe Miocic, Alistair Overeem, and Cain Velasquez. His UFC finale was his lone heavyweight title defense against Gane at UFC 270.
After a challenging year for Ngannou in 2024, 2025 could be the year of the comeback for the Cameroonian behemoth.