Francis Ngannou is 'still the baddest man on the planet' - is fight with Deontay Wilder next?
PFL chairman Donn Davis reveals combat sports star Francis Ngannou intends to compete in both boxing and MMA this year; Davis is adamant Ngannou is "still the baddest man on the planet" as he considers a potential contest with hard-punching Deontay Wilder
Friday 31 January 2025 11:33, UK
Francis Ngannou, who moved away from his true craft and shocked the world in his performance against former world champion Tyson Fury, is looking to shake up both boxing and MMA for a third year running.
PFL chairman Donn Davis shared updates on what to expect from MMA superstar Ngannou, now the PFL's heavyweight world champion, in 2025.
"He's going to fight twice this year - once in MMA, once in boxing. What order? I'm not sure. What opponents? We're working on options," Davis told Sky Sports.
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"We support Francis and that's why he's at the PFL and I think you'll see over time other mega superstars come to the PFL because of that reason. What do they want to achieve and how do we do that together? How do you do both things and both things well?
"We view it as upside but there is risk. There is no free lunch in the world whatever you do. Could he get hurt? Could he diminish his reputation? Could it delay certain schedules? Could it hurt other opponents? Of course, there is no free lunch.
"He's now the most beloved fighter because of the challenges and the risks he's taken so we view the upside as greater than the downside."
The upside was apparent as Ngannou returned to MMA after almost three years to headline in his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira.
"I'm not even sure Francis knew he was still the baddest man on the planet. If we could all see into his soul, I'm not so sure walking into that cage that he knew. He showed he was," Davis said.
"To do it after defying UFC, after blowing up the boxing world [with his split decision loss to Fury] and going through a personal tragedy [the death of his young son]. Then to show [that] in under one round against [Ferreira], who's 6'8" and a black belt... wow, he's the baddest man on the planet, no question."
That bout came after a two-fight stint against the biggest names in boxing, Fury and Anthony Joshua. A third bout against a fighter many consider the hardest-hitting puncher in the sport could be on the cards.
The PFL would like to stage a contest between Ngannou and Deontay Wilder, potentially under some form of hybrid rules set.
"I think Deontay Wilder is one that we've talked about, that he has talked about. Some sort of mixed rules or alternating rounds or just taking one aspect away from MMA rules," Davis said.
"I think Deontay Wilder is particularly interesting but you have to get the fans to understand it and it be a legitimate sport."
Watch Adam Azim vs Sergey Lipinets on Saturday, live on Sky Sports from 7pm. Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.
