Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion and current PFL heavyweight kingpin, is plotting a return to the boxing ring in 2025, with two marquee names on his radar: Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. The announcement came from PFL chairman Don Davis, who confirmed in a recent interview that Ngannou intends to compete once in MMA and once in boxing during the calendar year. The order of those bouts, however, remains fluid, dependent on opponent availability and strategic opportunities.

Ngannou's Journey from MMA to Boxing and Back

Ngannou's transition to professional boxing has been nothing short of remarkable. After dominating the UFC heavyweight division—defeating the likes of Stipe Miocic, Junior dos Santos, and Cain Velasquez—the Cameroonian-French powerhouse left the promotion in early 2023 due to contractual disputes. He signed with the PFL, but not before making a splash in the squared circle. His boxing debut came against the undefeated lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October 2023. In a stunning turn of events, Ngannou knocked down Fury in the third round and pushed the Brit to the limit, ultimately losing a highly controversial split decision. Many observers and fans felt Ngannou had done enough to win, bolstering his reputation as a legitimate crossover threat.

Emboldened by that performance, Ngannou quickly agreed to face former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in March 2024. However, this outing ended in disaster: Joshua landed a devastating right hand in the second round, leaving Ngannou unconscious on the canvas. The loss was a brutal setback, but Ngannou regrouped. He returned to MMA in October 2024, facing Renan Ferreira in the PFL heavyweight title bout. Ngannou showcased his enduring power, securing a first-round submission to reclaim hardware and reaffirm his status as a dual-sport attraction.

Davis Confirms the 2025 Blueprint

Speaking to The Sun, Davis outlined Ngannou's schedule: “I believe he'll box once in 2025 and he'll do MMA once in 2025. What order will be determined really by the opponents and the opportunities. And we're thinking about the same way. So I think it's too early to tell. Is it boxing and then MMA? Or MMA then boxing? But he'll do one of each in 2025.” This flexible approach allows Ngannou to target the biggest possible fights without being locked into a rigid timeline.

Davis also addressed the two main boxing candidates: Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. “I think he's open to either one,” Davis said. “But if I knew, I wouldn't breach my confidence on his boxing stuff. What I know about Francis is A, he's very, very smart, and B, he really doesn't have any fear, as some other fighters do. They prefer things over other things, and I know that from when we talked to him about fighters on the MMA side, he'll say, 'That guy's much harder match up for me.' That guy stylistically could be difficult for me, but he never says, 'I prefer versus I prefer.' He just thinks this could be easier or harder or more difficult or you'd have to train differently, but he's open to everything.”

Why Fury or Wilder Make Sense

A rematch with Fury carries obvious appeal. The first fight was not only competitive but also a massive financial success, drawing millions of pay-per-view buys. Fury, despite his controversial split decision win, has expressed interest in a rematch, though his own schedule is complicated by a potential unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk. If Fury vs. Usyk materializes, a Ngannou rematch could be delayed until late 2025. Nevertheless, the narrative of Ngannou proving that his knockdown was no fluke remains enticing for both fighters and fans.

Deontay Wilder presents an even more explosive matchup—a clash between two of the hardest punchers in combat sports history. Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion, has suffered two losses to Tyson Fury but remains a dangerous knockout artist with 42 KOs in 43 wins. Ngannou vs. Wilder is a dream fight for those who appreciate raw power. Both men possess fight-ending strength in either hand, and the bout would likely be decided by who lands first. Davis acknowledged the appeal, and social media has been abuzz with fan-made posters and predictions.

Beyond the two former champions, Ngannou could potentially face other top heavyweights like Zhilei Zhang or Joseph Parker, but Fury and Wilder remain the primary targets due to their name recognition and the lucrative nature of those contests.

Ngannou's Legacy and the Crossover Appeal

At 38 years old, Ngannou is in the final stages of his fighting career. He has already achieved legendary status in MMA by becoming the UFC heavyweight champion and defending his belt. His foray into boxing has only enhanced his mystique, as he proved he can hang with elite boxers despite limited experience. A win over either Fury or Wilder would cement his place as one of the greatest crossover fighters in history, rivaling the achievements of figures like James Toney or Randy Couture.

Ngannou's story resonates beyond the ring or cage. Born in Cameroon, he worked his way up from poverty, sleeping in gyms and training with minimal resources. His journey from a sand mine to the pinnacle of combat sports is a testament to his work ethic and resilience. That narrative, combined with his devastating punching power and humble demeanor, makes him a fan favorite worldwide.

What's Next for 'The Predator'?

As 2025 unfolds, all eyes are on Ngannou's next move. Will he step into the boxing ring first to avenge his only loss inside the squared circle, or will he attempt to conquer Wilder and end the Bronze Bomber's reign? Alternatively, he may prioritize MMA and defend his PFL title against a top contender like Vadim Nemkov or a return bout with Ferreira. The order could depend on promotional timing and network schedules.

One thing is certain: Francis Ngannou is not afraid of any challenge. Whether it's Tyson Fury's unorthodox style or Deontay Wilder's thunderous right, he has shown he will fight anyone, anywhere. The combat sports world is eagerly awaiting the announcement of his next opponent, and whichever direction he chooses, it will be must-see television. Fans can expect fireworks.

Source: KO On SI News