Francis Ngannou says fight against Deontay Wilder closer "than with anyone else"

Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC has left him with several options for his next bout. The former heavyweight champion has shared that he wants his next fight to be in the sport of boxing. Speaking with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, ‘The Predator’ shared that former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder could be his opponent, stating:

“We have had a conversation and at the moment, we are more closer than with anyone else… Hypothetically, [the fight would take place] sometime this summer. Within a big frame, maybe from the beginning or the end of summer.”

Francis Ngannou was asked how he believes the fight will go, responding:

“I think somebody will take somebody’s head off. I would just try for it not to be mine. I think that’s probably what’s going to happen.”

Check out Francis Ngannou’s comments on facing Deontay Wilder below:

Francis Ngannou says he’s closer to fighting Deontay Wilder “than with anyone else” and it could happen this summer 👀 #TheMMAHour“I think somebody will take somebody’s head off. I would just try for it not to be mine.”▶️ youtube.com/watch?v=-FcCgw… https://t.co/oDPo1JjS4k

Deontay Wilder recently joined Ngannou as a combat sports free agent. He shared that he is looking to face the former UFC heavyweight champion in a two-fight deal with one bout taking place in boxing and the other in mixed martial arts. While it is unclear if anything will come to fruition with ‘The Bronze Bomber’, ‘The Predator’ seems determined to make his boxing debut in 2023.

Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC does not change his status as champion, claims ‘The Predator’

Francis Ngannou recently became the first reigning champion to walk away from the UFC since B.J. Penn in 2004. Despite no longer being the promotion’s heavyweight champion, ‘The Predator’ made it clear that he still considers himself a champion. During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, the mixed martial arts free agent stated:

“I’m doing my stuff. I’m good. I’m happy. What do you think? You think I am a champion because of a piece of a metal? No. I’m not a champion because of a piece of metal. I’m a champion for who I am, for what I stand for, and I was a champion before the belt. I will still be a champion no matter what so I am the champ.”

Check out Francis Ngannou’s comments below:

Ngannou added that he was not upset about Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane fighting for the heavyweight title. ‘Bones’ went on to capture the vacant belt as he was able to submit his opponent in just over two minutes.