For years, fans have fantasized about two of the most devastating punchers in combat sports finally squaring off. Now, according to Francis Ngannou, that fantasy could become reality.
Ngannou revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that the long-discussed bout with Deontay Wilder could be nearing fruition:
“We haven’t engaged personally, but it’s going to be soon. We are setting some things up.” – Francis Ngannou
With both fighters carrying legendary knockout power, a potential showdown isn’t just hype — it’s the kind of explosive encounter that could reshape both boxing and MMA landscapes.
Ngannou’s Journey from MMA to the Boxing Ring
- A former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after leaving the UFC in early 2023.
- In his pro boxing debut, he stunned the world by knocking down Tyson Fury in the third round, eventually losing by a controversial split decision. WikipediaThe New Yorker
- In March 2024, Anthony Joshua knocked Ngannou out in the second round of their fight. Wikipedia
- A personal setback followed with the tragic loss of his son in April 2024. Ngannou rebounded later that year, winning the PFL heavyweight title via first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira. Although not detailed in sources, his MMA record is:
- MMA Record: 18–3, with 17 finishes (knockouts or submissions)
- Boxing Record: 0–2, but featuring that memorable Fury knockdown
Wilder’s Rocky Road Back to Form
- Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder, known for his devastating right hand, boasts a record of 44–4–1 with 43 knockouts.
- After losing his heavyweight title to Tyson Fury in 2020 and falling again in the trilogy fight in 2021, Wilder endured a rocky return with losses to Joseph Parker (2023) and a brutal KO by Zhilei Zhang (2024).
- In June 2025, he returned with a gritty seventh-round TKO victory over Tyrrell Herndon, dropping him twice en route to victory. ESPN.comBad Left HookThe SunWikipedia
The former UFC heavyweight champion revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that conversations with Deontay Wilder are finally in motion:
“We haven’t engaged personally, but it’s going to be soon. We are setting some things up.” – Francis Ngannou
With both men carrying legendary knockout power, a potential Ngannou vs. Wilder fight is more than just a spectacle — it’s an explosive encounter that could shake the fight world to its core.
Ngannou’s Journey from MMA to Boxing
Ngannou, 38, left the UFC in early 2023 and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). While many expected him to stay inside the MMA cage, he shocked the world by stepping into the boxing ring against Tyson Fury in October 2023.
Despite being a debutant, Ngannou floored Fury in the third round and pushed the heavyweight king to a split decision.
But reality struck in March 2024, when Anthony Joshua handed Ngannou a humbling knockout loss, dropping him three times in two rounds.
After suffering personal tragedy with the loss of his young son in April 2024, Ngannou returned to the cage later that year, reclaiming his dominance with a first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira to capture the PFL heavyweight title. His MMA record now stands at 18-3, with 17 wins by knockout or submission — proof of his unparalleled power.
Wilder’s Rocky Road Back
On the other side stands Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, one of the most destructive knockout artists in boxing history. With 43 KOs in 44 victories, Wilder’s right hand is legendary.
Wilder’s reign as heavyweight champion ended in February 2020, when he fell to Tyson Fury in their rematch. The trilogy bout in October 2021 was an instant classic, but Wilder was stopped again in the 11th round after a back-and-forth war.
After years of inactivity, Wilder struggled to regain momentum. Losses to Joseph Parker (2023) and a brutal knockout at the hands of Zhilei Zhang (2024) raised questions about his future. Still, in June 2025, Wilder roared back with a seventh-round TKO over Tyrrell Anthony Herndon, showing there’s life left in his thunderous fists.
“I’m definitely interested.” – Deontay Wilder on a Ngannou fight
Why This Match-Up Matters
Both fighters bring something unique to the table:
This isn’t just another fight — it’s a high-stakes collision of eras and skillsets:
- Ngannou: The most destructive puncher in MMA history, enhanced legitimacy in boxing after the Fury bout.
- Wilder: A pure boxing heavyweight with an astonishing KO-to-win ratio.
The possible ramifications? Think crossover event, hybrid rules, or a landmark in combat sports lore.
What to Expect If the Fight Happens
If the fight gets finalized, expect explosive highlights, unfinished business, and headline-grabbing drama. Both men possess the power to end fights in an instant.
This also explains why Ngannou declined Jarrell Miller’s undercard fight at the upcoming Canelo vs. Crawford event — Wilder represents a much weightier target, both literally and figuratively.
Two of the heaviest hitters in combat sports. One ring. No excuses.
Final Thoughts
A Ngannou vs. Wilder showdown promises spectacle, danger, and a highlight reel for the ages. Whether under traditional boxing rules, hybrid formats, or something entirely new, the collision of these destructive forces could be legendary.
One thing’s for sure: if they step into the same ring, blink and you’ll miss it.
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