Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is still deciding his next move after returning to MMA last October.
Despite reports about the end of Francis Ngannou`s PFL contract being questioned, it seems likely that “The Predator” will compete elsewhere in his next fight.
A boxing match with Deontay Wilder appeared to be Ngannou`s top choice, especially after his defeat to Anthony Joshua a year prior.
While Ngannou has mentioned other possible opponents, including a potential return of Wladimir Klitschko, there are alternative options outside of the top-ranked heavyweight boxers.
In addition to a possible second MMA fight with the PFL, Ngannou has also discussed a crossover super fight with Rico Verhoeven, the “King of Kickboxing.”
Rico Verhoeven Optimistic About Francis Ngannou Crossover Bout
Francis Ngannou has already faced top heavyweights in boxing and MMA, but what about kickboxing?
Rico Verhoeven, who held the GLORY heavyweight title for over a decade, is considered one of the most dominant champions in combat sports history.
With 12 consecutive title defenses and numerous tournament victories, the 35-year-old Verhoeven is a legend in kickboxing, but he is seeking new and exciting challenges.
GLORY recently announced a 32-man “Last Heavyweight Standing” tournament, but Verhoeven was not included in the initial lineup.
While he might join later or be waiting to face the tournament winner, this could also indicate that the promotion is planning a special event for the champion.
Both Francis Ngannou and Verhoeven have previously mentioned the idea of a crossover fight, possibly under boxing rules.
By competing outside their usual disciplines, they could meet in the middle for a unique showdown.
Verhoeven recently spoke on The Ariel Helwani Show, providing an update on the potential fight.
“It`s definitely on my radar, and I saw an interview where Francis also expressed interest. There are ongoing discussions, and I`m excited because it’s a huge and unprecedented challenge. We`ve seen boxer versus MMA fighter matchups, but we are more closely aligned, making this challenge particularly interesting.”
While talks don`t guarantee a fight, Verhoeven is optimistic, suggesting genuine interest beyond just speculation.
“We are in discussions with various organizations. There’s significant interest in this fight, so we are, let`s say, halfway there. Interest is always the first step, and that’s where we are.”
Rico Verhoeven: A Worthy and Intriguing Opponent for Ngannou
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 and unseen before, as Verhoeven himself noted.
Verhoeven is accustomed to facing powerful knockout artists, but his technical skills and resilience have consistently led him to victory throughout his championship reign.
Considering Ngannou`s performance against Tyson Fury, he cannot be underestimated in a boxing ring. While Verhoeven has faced strong punchers in kickboxing, Francis Ngannou represents a different level of knockout power.
