Francis Ngannou has become one of the most talked-about names in combat sports. The powerful Cameroonian exploded into the UK consciousness through two massive boxing matches. First, he stunned the world by dropping Tyson Fury in 2023. Then he was brutally knocked out by British favourite Anthony Joshua in 2024. Now the question on every fight fan’s lips is simple: What comes next for “The Predator”?
The former UFC Heavyweight Champion is currently the centre of intense speculation. He stands at a contractual and strategic crossroads. Ngannou must choose between returning to mixed martial arts or pursuing another lucrative boxing payday. His decision will define the next chapter of his remarkable career. UK fight fans remain heavily invested due to his history with two of Britain’s biggest heavyweights. Ngannou’s next move is arguably one of the biggest attractions in global combat sports right now, comparable to the buzz surrounding major UK projects like the potential development of a Disneyland UK.
The Weight of Recent History and UK Rivalries
Ngannou’s jump from the UFC to boxing was nothing short of sensational. His debut was against WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury in October 2023. The world watched as the MMA star floored the lineal champion. Ngannou lost a controversial split decision but instantly earned respect as a genuine boxer. It was a massive statement.
This spectacular debut set the stage for an even bigger showdown with Anthony Joshua. The fight, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, became known as “Knockout Chaos”. It drew massive attention across the British media. Joshua, known as ‘AJ’, ended the contest quickly and decisively. He floored Ngannou three times in total. The final, devastating right hand in the second round was a chilling reminder of boxing’s harsh realities.
The loss was a significant setback for Ngannou’s boxing credentials. It saw him drop out of the WBC’s top twenty heavyweight rankings. However, Ngannou’s willingness to take such risks highlights his fighting spirit. It maintains his appeal to fans who appreciate genuine ambition.
British promoter Eddie Hearn quickly weighed in on the fight’s aftermath. Hearn was quick to dismiss Ngannou’s later suggestions of pre-fight tiring tactics. He suggested Ngannou was simply inexperienced at the elite level of boxing promotion. This public commentary only fuelled the UK media spotlight surrounding Ngannou. His presence remains constant in UK sports news, much like the media attention that always seems to follow figures in the public eye, such as Sharon Osbourne today. Ngannou remains an undeniable global superstar despite the loss.
The Contractual Mandate: Return to PFL
The most important factor governing Ngannou’s immediate future is his contract. Francis Ngannou signed a pioneering deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in May 2023. This contract includes several unique clauses that prioritise the fighter. It allowed him to pursue high-profile boxing matches. Crucially, it mandates his return to the MMA cage.
The PFL deal saw Ngannou join the PPV Super Fight Division. This division focuses on generating major box office draws. The agreement also gave him a leadership role on the PFL Global Advisory Board. He is also an equity owner and Chairman of the developing PFL Africa league. This commitment to African MMA is a major focus for Ngannou. His signing was lauded as a “game changing partnership” for the sport.
An Emphatic MMA Comeback
Ngannou made his highly anticipated PFL debut in October 2024. He faced PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira in Riyadh. The bout was titled “PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants.” Ngannou made a clear statement in his return to the cage.
He won the fight via knockout in the first round. The victory secured the symbolic PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Championship. This win was vital. It proved Ngannou remains the dominant force in MMA heavyweight competition. It showed his devastating power translates seamlessly back to the smaller cage and lighter gloves. Ngannou himself declared he would “refuse for life to take me down,” a quote showing his profound resilience after various challenges. His performance was a huge boost for the PFL brand globally.
His win over Ferreira means his next opponent will likely be another major star. PFL is committed to putting on “global mega events” in this division. Speculation points towards a clash with a Bellator champion, or a prominent free agent acquisition. The PFL model aims to secure the best possible opponent available to maximise pay-per-view revenue. The latest developments and news from the PFL camp consistently focus on leveraging Ngannou’s star power, reflecting a constant media cycle similar to the latest updates on Gino D’Acampo news.
The Enduring Allure of the Boxing Ring
Despite his recent MMA success, the lure of boxing remains potent. Ngannou’s unique contract allows him to continue pursuing boxing opportunities. The massive paydays on offer are transformative for any athlete. The chance to compete for another monumental, life-changing purse is hard to ignore. The financial incentives alone rival the earning potential of sports icons like Frankie Dettori, whose substantial net worth is a testament to top sporting success.
The Jake Paul Rumour and Rejection
The most recent boxing news concerning Ngannou involved Jake Paul. Following the cancellation of Paul’s fight against Gervonta Davis, Paul sought Ngannou as a short-notice replacement. This rumour created a massive buzz, especially on social media platforms.
Ngannou, however, immediately dismissed the proposal. He called the offer “disrespectful” during an interview. He questioned the logic of pitting a massive heavyweight like himself against a much lighter fighter. Ngannou insisted the fight made “no sense” for him. He affirmed that his current ambitions are focused elsewhere.
UFC icon Chael Sonnen criticised Ngannou’s rejection. Sonnen suggested Ngannou should have taken the opportunity for the payday. Ngannou was adamant it was not about the money. He made it clear he seeks fights that advance his career narrative. A bout with Paul was simply too far beneath his standing. Ngannou sees himself fighting current or former heavyweight world champions.
The Deontay Wilder Question
Before the Joshua fight was confirmed, a clash with Deontay Wilder was often discussed. A fight between Ngannou and Wilder is still a possibility. Both men possess terrifying one-punch knockout power. Both are currently seeking a significant comeback victory. A Wilder versus Ngannou matchup guarantees high drama and a brutal conclusion.
Wilder, the former WBC champion, is also looking to rebuild his reputation. He suffered defeats in his last few major outings. This pairing offers both fighters a massive gate attraction. It provides a chance for immediate relevance in the heavyweight division. Saudi Arabian promoters, who have financially backed Ngannou’s last two boxing matches, are keen on such blockbusters. This remains a highly marketable fight globally.
The Predator’s Dilemma: Timing and Legacy
Ngannou’s career is an exercise in juggling two demanding sports. He must decide if his priority is boxing legacy or consolidating his dominance in MMA. The PFL deal offers him security, equity, and a platform for social change in Africa. Boxing offers him immense wealth and the chance to prove the Joshua defeat was an aberration.
His commitment to PFL Africa is a major part of his personal focus. It allows him to build a lasting infrastructure for African talent. This strategic business move goes beyond simple athletic competition.
The choice is about more than just a fight date. It is about his long-term narrative. Does he immediately return to boxing to prove his loss to AJ was a fluke? Or does he cement his status as the premier MMA heavyweight first? His fighting career, especially since leaving the UFC, has been defined by taking control. This fight for freedom and control is constant.
Ngannou has shown great personal strength and resolve in recent times. He has demonstrated resilience in the face of both professional and personal adversity. His focus on meaningful fights over quick paydays is clear following the Paul rejection. His next opponent must be a top-tier challenge. The constant scrutiny and media speculation about his personal life and motivations is a backdrop to his career, much like the intense interest in Miranda Hart partner stories. He manages this focus with impressive discipline.
For Ngannou, the greatest challenge is timing. MMA training is drastically different from boxing preparation. Switching between the two takes a tremendous physical and mental toll. The PFL likely expects an MMA defence soon. However, Ngannou’s boxing defeat against AJ demands a professional response in the squared circle. The outcome of his next fight will irrevocably shape his legacy in both codes.
The Verdict: PFL First, Boxing Later
Based on the evidence, Francis Ngannou is most likely to fight in the PFL next. The contractual obligations and the fresh momentum from his victory over Renan Ferreira suggest an MMA defence is imminent. The PFL needs Ngannou to headline a major card to justify the Super Fight Division.
However, a high-stakes boxing return remains firmly on the horizon. The desire for redemption following the Joshua defeat is powerful. A fight against Deontay Wilder is the most logical and compelling boxing match for him. It is a fight that the public and promoters genuinely want to see. The boxing return may occur in late 2025 or early 2026. This would allow Ngannou to fulfil his PFL duties first.
The Predator’s journey is anything but predictable. Yet his next opponent will certainly be a global star. His next announcement will dominate news cycles worldwide. UK fight fans will be watching with anticipation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is Francis Ngannou’s most likely next opponent? His next fight is most likely an MMA bout under the PFL banner. He must defend his symbolic PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Championship soon. An opponent from the combined PFL/Bellator roster is expected.
2. Is Ngannou going to fight Anthony Joshua again? A rematch with Anthony Joshua is currently unlikely. Joshua is pursuing world title fights against the likes of Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk. Ngannou needs a boxing win before any major rematch talks can restart.
3. Did Francis Ngannou turn down a fight with Jake Paul? Yes, Ngannou publicly confirmed he rejected a short-notice offer to fight Jake Paul. He called the proposition “disrespectful” and unsuitable for his career goals.
4. When will Ngannou fight in the PFL again? Ngannou returned to MMA in October 2024 with a win against Renan Ferreira. His next PFL appearance is expected sometime in early to mid-2025. This timing depends on PFL’s global scheduling.
5. What is Ngannou’s current professional boxing record? Francis Ngannou currently holds a professional boxing record of zero wins and two losses (0-2). His two opponents were Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Final Thoughts
The career path of Francis Ngannou is a truly unique story in sports. It is defined by courage, ambition, and defiance of convention. His transition to boxing was initially deemed impossible, yet he shocked the world against Tyson Fury. The subsequent knockout loss to Anthony Joshua has only intensified the public’s desire to see his response. Whether he chooses the MMA cage to consolidate his PFL empire or steps back into the boxing ring for redemption, Ngannou remains in control of his destiny. His next appearance will undoubtedly be a global spectacle.
