Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou`s next fight remains unconfirmed after his MMA return last October.
Despite reports about the status of Ngannou`s PFL contract, it appears he will compete outside of the PFL for his next appearance.
A boxing match with Deontay Wilder seemed to be Ngannou`s priority after his defeat to Anthony Joshua a year prior.
While Ngannou has mentioned other potential boxing opponents, including Wladimir Klitschko, options beyond top-tier boxers are also being considered.
In addition to a possible second MMA fight with the PFL, Ngannou has expressed interest in a crossover super fight with kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven.
Rico Verhoeven Discusses Potential Crossover Fight with Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou has faced top heavyweights in boxing and MMA, but a kickboxing ruleset could present a new challenge.
Rico Verhoeven, the long-reigning GLORY heavyweight champion, is a dominant figure in combat sports.
With an impressive record of title defenses and tournament wins, Verhoeven seeks fresh and exciting challenges.
GLORY recently announced a large heavyweight tournament, but Verhoeven was not included, suggesting a special event may be in the works for him.
Both Ngannou and Verhoeven have previously discussed a potential crossover fight, possibly under boxing rules.
Competing outside their primary disciplines could create a unique and unprecedented matchup.
Verhoeven recently spoke about the fight on The Ariel Helwani Show, providing an update.
“It’s definitely on the radar. Francis also mentioned his interest in a recent interview. Talks are ongoing, and I`m excited because it`s a huge and unique challenge. We`ve seen boxer versus MMA fighter matchups, but this feels different. We are more aligned,” Verhoeven stated.
While discussions don`t guarantee a fight, Verhoeven is optimistic about the possibility.
“We are in discussions with various organizations. There`s significant interest in this fight. I`d say we`re halfway there. The initial interest is there, and people want to see it happen,” he added.
Verhoeven Matchup Offers Unique Appeal
A fight against a top heavyweight boxer might generate more mainstream attention and revenue for Francis Ngannou.
However, a boxing match with Rico Verhoeven would offer fans something truly novel, as Verhoeven himself pointed out.
Verhoeven is experienced in facing powerful strikers, using his technical skills and resilience to overcome challenges throughout his championship reign.
Ngannou`s performance against Tyson Fury showed his boxing capabilities, and while Verhoeven has faced strong punchers, Ngannou represents a different level of power.
