Francis Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick has supplied grim perception into the previous UFC heavyweight champion’s future, suggesting that mixed-martial arts has successfully taken a again seat to boxing alternatives.
Francis Ngannou: MMA or Boxing?
Talking with MMA Junkie Radio, Nicksick admitted that regardless of common communication with Ngannou, their conversations have centered on private issues slightly than coaching or cage preparation. “We discuss commonly, however we simply discuss as buddies, you understand? I do know the Wilder rumors have been kicking round. Talked to him a pair days in the past—it was nearly life and household,” Nicksick revealed.
When asked specifically about Ngannou’s MMA prospects, Nicksick was direct: “It sounds like to me what he wants is that Wilder fight. I haven’t heard much more about the MMA side of things at all, to be honest with you”. Nicksick plans to meet with Ngannou in Paris next week to assess his coaching standing and future plans, however acknowledged that boxing stays the first focus.
The Xtreme Couture head coach’s feedback come at a time when Ngannou seems more and more centered on securing a boxing match with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
Leaving the UFC
Francis Ngannou’s journey from MMA to boxing started when he left the UFC in January 2023 following a contract dispute, subsequently signing with the Skilled Fighters League in Might of that yr. His PFL deal was structured to permit boxing pursuits, and Ngannou wasted no time capitalizing on this freedom. He confronted WBC champion Tyson Fury in October 2023, delivering a shocking efficiency that noticed him knock down Fury within the third spherical earlier than dropping by cut up determination. 4 months later, he challenged Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, struggling three knockdowns and a devastating second-round knockout.
Despite the setback against Joshua, Ngannou returned to MMA in October 2024, stopping Renan Ferreira in the first round to capture the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title. That victory marked his first MMA appearance since defending the UFC heavyweight belt against Ciryl Gane in January 2022. Nonetheless, the triumph seems to have performed little to rekindle his ardour for cage competitors.
Nicksick expressed frustration with the shift in priorities, reflecting on the productive interval they shared throughout Ngannou’s UFC tenure. “I nonetheless really feel like we now have much more we will do in MMA. Sadly, it’s powerful as a result of – once I have a look at our relationship as a complete, when he lived in Vegas in the course of the COVID period and we have been combating for the UFC, you understand, we spent a lot time collectively coaching and constructing that MMA ability set we see him have,” the coach defined.
He continued: “I simply really feel like we have been rising a lot and doing so many nice issues after which impulsively you form of get the rug pulled out from beneath you. I positively miss that progress and maturation that we had, with the ability to present new wrinkles in his recreation – the wrestling facet of issues, constructing off attributes we’d been working so exhausting to achieve.”
The connection between Ngannou and boxing extends past mere monetary alternative. At 38, the Cameroonian fighter has brazenly expressed his want to safe his first skilled boxing victory after two defeats. Throughout a current look on The Ariel Helwani Present, Ngannou confirmed his curiosity in dealing with Wilder, stating “Sure, I do” when requested if he wished the struggle, including “We haven’t engaged personally, nevertheless it’s gonna be quickly… We’re setting some issues up”.
Wilder’s camp has expressed mutual interest, with manager Shelly Finkel telling Sky Sports that “Deontay would be open to that fight next year”. However, Finkel clarified that “Deontay Wilder will not be facing Francis Ngannou in 2025,” indicating the bout would seemingly happen in 2026. This timeline permits Ngannou to keep up his boxing ambitions whereas probably fulfilling any remaining PFL obligations.
Francis Ngannou Could Beat Any Heavyweight in MMA
Nicksick’s assessment of Ngannou’s MMA capabilities stays optimistic regardless of the unsure future. He believes Ngannou “nonetheless possesses the flexibility to beat anybody” within the heavyweight division, but acknowledges the fact of the scenario. The coach’s feedback counsel that with out Ngannou’s private dedication to returning to MMA competitors, even essentially the most expert teaching can’t pressure a comeback.
