Francis Ngannou, the previous UFC heavyweight champion and present PFL titleholder, has supplied readability on when he plans to return to competitors. The Cameroon-born is open to each MMA and boxing, trying to schedule a match late 2025 or early 2026 for Francis Ngannou’s subsequent struggle.
When Is Francis Ngannou’s Subsequent Combat?
Talking lately in an interview with Ariel Helwani, Ngannou emphasised that he stays energetic and motivated to struggle, stating, On Francis Ngannou’s subsequent struggle, he stated: “I’ve been coaching, getting ready. I would like extra fights. I’m not retired. I wish to keep energetic. I would like yet another struggle this 12 months or early subsequent 12 months.”
Francis Ngannou vacated the UFC heavyweight title when his contract expired in January 2023. He rapidly signed with the Skilled Fighters League, a deal that allowed him to field. His first boxing match got here in opposition to Tyson Fury in October 2023, the place he dropped the WBC champion however misplaced a cut up resolution. In March 2024, Ngannou confronted Anthony Joshua and suffered a second-round knockout. Regardless of the loss, Ngannou made no secret of his intent to proceed combating in each disciplines.
On October 19, 2024, Ngannou returned to MMA within the PFL, dealing with Renan Ferreira in Riyadh. He received by first-round stoppage, dedicating the victory to his late son, Kobe, who died in April 2024. His efficiency in that bout marked his first combined martial arts look since January 2022. Ngannou’s return underneath the PFL banner additionally highlighted his dedication to remain energetic in MMA. A place reiterated by his head coach, Eric Nicksick, who famous that Ngannou has by no means stopped coaching in all aspects of MMA, together with wrestling and grappling.
Ngannou’s PFL contract nonetheless consists of not less than one MMA struggle, and the promotion has signaled its willingness to co-promote occasions if that aligns with enterprise pursuits – so long as it is smart for the fighter and the corporate.
In parallel with MMA, Ngannou is pursuing a boxing match in opposition to Deontay Wilder, aiming to safe the bout earlier than 12 months’s finish. Wilder, 39, final fought in June 2025, and each fighters have expressed mutual curiosity within the crossover match. Ngannou has described the Wilder struggle as his most well-liked leisure undertaking in both boxing or MMA and confirmed ongoing discussions, although no formal settlement has been introduced.
Ngannou’s schedule remains flexible. He has the freedom to mix boxing and MMA under his PFL contract. For now, he will continue training in Las Vegas, splitting time between boxing pads, the wrestling mat, and MMA sparring sessions, ensuring he remains in peak condition for whichever discipline materializes next – This year or early 2026.
