In a surprising turn of events, heavyweight MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko has expressed his willingness to box former UFC champion Francis Ngannou. While the two have never fought, this matchup could spark interest among fight fans.
Ngannou's Challenging Transition to Boxing
Francis Ngannou has made headlines since his departure from the UFC after defeating Ciryl Gane in a title unification match at UFC 270 in January 2022. Following that victory, he signed with the PFL, where he was allowed to pursue boxing bouts against renowned fighters like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. In his boxing debut, Ngannou nearly pulled off a stunning upset against Fury, losing only by narrow decision.
Despite the mixed results in boxing—losing to Joshua by knockout in their rematch—Ngannou remains a formidable athlete, having continued to shine in mixed martial arts. In May, he secured a knockout victory over Philipe Lins during the first MVP MMA event streamed on Netflix.
Fedor's Dream Match Proposal
Emelianenko, who has long been considered one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history, has proposed a boxing match with Ngannou. In an interview with Ushatayka, he remarked, "If we're talking about a real dream, I’d be interested in fighting Francis Ngannou under boxing rules. I couldn't manage MMA now; I have too many injuries. But I’d have a go at him in boxing."
While Emelianenko has an impressive legacy, he has not competed in boxing professionally, making this proposal even more intriguing. He has fought a total of 47 MMA matches, showcasing his skills in various organizations, including PRIDE FC and Bellator.
The Legacy of Emelianenko
Emelianenko, also known as "The Last Emperor," has had a remarkable career in combat sports. His journey saw him dominate the PRIDE heavyweight scene before transitioning to other promotions like Strikeforce and Bellator. In the latter, he experienced a mixed bag, finishing with a 4-3 record.
His last fight occurred at Bellator 290 in 2023, where he was defeated by Ryan Bader in the first round. As a 50-year-old fighter, a boxing match against Ngannou would certainly be an interesting challenge, though also considered a risky endeavor given his age and injuries.
What's Next for Ngannou?
As Ngannou navigates his post-UFC career, fans are eager to see where he will head next. With the potential matchup against Emelianenko, many are curious about whether he will return to boxing or continue his MMA journey. His performances have put him in good stead, with a consecutive winning streak in MMA that dates back to 2018.
While the prospect of a boxing bout between these two legends could be captivating, discussions around Ngannou’s next moves seem to take precedence for combat sports enthusiasts. What lies ahead for "The Predator" remains uncertain but filled with possibilities.
