Francis Ngannou has been sitting and waiting to make his return to combat sports, and he has now been offered that return.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has been out of action since last October when he finally made his anticipated PFL debut against Renan Ferreira.
His return to MMA came after he made his boxing debut against Tyson Fury in what was a spectacular showing from ‘The Predator’ despite losing the fight via a split decision.
Unfortunately, though, his second boxing outing didn’t go as well as his first, as he was brutally knocked out by former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Ngannou offered lucrative boxing return by fellow power puncher
Since his shock move to the PFL, the former heavyweight champion has clearly put his MMA career on hold and has even taken a step back from his responsibilities with the promotion.
Recently, the PFL held their first event in Africa, which Ngannou was a big driving force behind, however, he didn’t attend the event as he claimed the card wasn’t strong enough.
Ever since his move into the boxing ring, fans have called for a fight between Ngannou and fellow power puncher Deontay Wilder.
The two have continued to flirt with the idea but nothing has materialised as of yet, however, earlier this week, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ seemingly made his callout of Ngannou.
And in an appearance on The Ariel Helwani show this past Wednesday, Wilder once again issued a callout to ‘The Predator’.
“My interest is high, I’m ready to go with anyone so if Francis is next then let it be, I’m looking forward to a great fight with anyone that’s gonna get me back to where I need to go.
“This one I think it’d be more entertainment for fans in general, but every fight counts, it gets you closer and closer to the goal you’re looking for and Francis has got the heart, he’s an MMA champion so that brings a lot of weight to it.
“We’re two strong guys and we want to test our power against each other’s faces, so let the games begin, I’m all in. It’s been talks previously but right now I’d say it’s warming up.”
Will Francis Ngannou ever return to MMA?
At this point in his career, it seems as though Ngannou’s career in MMA could be over. After moving to PFL, fans were hopeful that he would be active and earning his deserved money.
Despite that, he has only fought once in the Smartcage and his relationship with the promotion seems to be crumbling.
Not only that, but there have been constant issues with trying to get a good enough opponent for Ngannou, which has proved too difficult at this point.