Francis Ngannou plans to make an “early” return after his loss to Anthony Joshua and is expected to compete in MMA this summer.
Ngannou made his second appearance in boxing history on March 8, but had a tough night against A.J., being left out cold on the canvas after just two rounds.
He is currently taking time to recover and consider his next move, but is hopeful of making a return to boxing despite being brutally stopped in his last bout.
Ahead of his impressive Squared Circle debut against Tyson Fury in October 2023, Ngannou decided not to renew his contract with the UFC and signed with MMA promotion PFL.
He was sitting cageside watching potential rival Renan Ferreira defeat Ryan Bader as part of the Bellator vs. PFL card in the Middle East in February.
And PFL president Don Davis has confirmed the exact plan for his return, including that Ngannou will compete head-on in “Problema” this summer.
He said on The MMA Hour: “I'm always rooting for Francis, but now he's scheduled to come back early. Maybe as early as July, maybe as late as September. No later than later.”
“But Francis will be playing against 'Lo Problemlo' in the PFL in 2024.” [Renan Ferreira] I believe this is the fight I'm most looking forward to in all of MMA's heavyweight division.
“It will be a PPV fight, and that card will include Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco as a co-main match, and Cedric Doumbu vs. someone will be announced on that card.
“So, that battle was [card] It's going to be a big match because of Francis, but there's also going to be some other very interesting matchups in that match. ”
Ngannou was the reigning UFC heavyweight champion and was a dominant force during his time in the division.
He will be hoping to repeat his success in the PFL Smart Cage, which will likely be without his biggest challenge, Jon Jones.
Despite his impending PFL MMA debut, “The Predator” intends to give boxing another try.
A potential clash between Deontay Wilder and Dillian Whyte remains on the table, with the former already offering a two-fight deal.
Ngannou lost his top-10 spot in the WBC heavyweight rankings, but insisted he still has a place to return to the sport.
He said on the livestream: “At the moment, I don't know exactly what kind of fight I'm looking for next. I know I need time to rest and focus on myself, and when I'll be able to play.” I'm ready, so let's get back to training.
“It's not over yet — it's not over at all. It's just beginning. The only thing I'm going to miss this year is time. I think there's plenty of time ahead.”
“I'm going to take some time for myself, relax, spend time with my family and friends, and come back prepared.”
