Fight options for Francis Ngannou following shocking UFC departure

A matchup between Ngannou and boxing’s heavyweight king Tyson Fury has been pushed by both since last year. Now, with the MMA star no longer hampered by the shackles of a UFC contract, this rare matchup of two champions from two different combat sports could actually occur.

Fury is an avid cage-fighting fan and has said he would like to eventually make his debut in MMA. However, that won’t occur in this instance. This fight would definitely happen in boxing, meaning Ngannou would be at a disadvantage and have to rely primarily on his otherworldly punching power to shock the world.

Francis Ngannou vs. Fabricio Werdum – PFL MMA

Earlier this month, Jake Paul boldly announced his intention to compete in MMA this year for the Professional Fighters League. Part of his announcement included that future PFL MMA pay-per-view cards would award the fighters 50% of the revenue. With Ngannou banking on himself, a similar PPV-driven deal with PFL MMA makes a lot of sense.

Whom would the 36-year-old face? A case could be made for PFL 2022 heavyweight champion Ante Delija. However, that matchup would lack sizzle for casual fans. That’s why a bout with former UFC champion Fabricio Werdum is the best bet.

The two never met during their time in the promotion, and Werdum is one of the few big-name heavyweights outside the UFC. Considering his world-class grappling and fight savvy, he would also offer a legitimate threat to Ngannou. Plus, he has competed for the PFL in the past.

Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder – Boxing

While Fury would be a difficult matchup in the boxing ring for the MMA slugger, a booking against former champion Deontay Wilder would be fascinating. Both are arguably the hardest-hitting heavyweights their respective sports have ever seen. Yet, Wilder is not as technical as the “Gypsy King,” and it was why he lost in two of their three bouts.

Wilder vs. Ngannou may not garner the same interest as Fury vs. Ngannou, but it is still a major fight and opportunity for the former UFC champion to earn a possible eight-figure payday.

Francis Ngannou vs. Ryan Bader/Fedor Emelianenko – Bellator

If Bellator MMA decides to get into the bidding for “The Predator,” there is really only one fight to make, and that would be a clash with the winner of the upcoming heavyweight title fight at Bellator 290.

Be it Ryan Bader or Fedor Emelianenko, the fight would be the best the organization can offer to the power-punching star. A clash with Bader means an interesting test against a talented wrestler who is a smaller and faster foe. If Ngannou were able to get one more fight from the MMA legend, a battle between the best heavyweight now versus the greatest of the previous generation is an easy bout to market.

Francis Ngannou vs. Arjan Bhullar/Anatoly Malykhin ONE Championship

ONE Championship is another MMA powerhouse that could jump into the bidding to acquire the former UFC champion’s services. It has a unification bout coming up on March 24 between former champion Arjan Bhullar and the man who won his vacated title, Anatoly Malykhin.

Like Bader vs. Emelianenko, facing the winner is the top matchup the promotion can give the free-agent fighter. Both would be legit tests and a solid B-side for the biggest heavyweight bout, by far, in ONE history.

Francis Ngannou vs. Braun Strowman – WrestleMania

If Ngannou is looking to cash in with minimal risk, there is always the option of a one-time jump into the fantastic world of WWE. The legendary wrestling company has a long history of having stars of combat sports enter the ring to take part as officials or actually get their hands dirty in matches.

The company’s biggest yearly spectacle, WrestleMania, is only a few months away. A matchup featuring Ngannou and the WWE’s top big man Braun Strowman would certainly have some serious mainstream appeal and be a fun way for the MMA superstar to broaden his entertainment horizons.