Francis Ngannou (image via Top Rank Boxing / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Francis Ngannou was expected to make his PFL debut this coming year. But, now that he’s been booked for another, high stakes, boxing match, Ngannou isn’t sure he’ll compete in MMA anytime soon.

Following Ngannou’s PFL signing last year, the reported plan was that the former UFC heavyweight champ would return to the cage following his pro-boxing debut. In October, Ngannou shocked many throughout the combat sports world by knocking down renowned boxer, Tyson Fury, and losing the bout match via split decision.

On account of Ngannou’s success in that fight, recently it was announced that he’ll box Anthony Joshua on March 8th. So, while discussing his future and his return to MMA on “The MMA Hour” this week, Ngannou acknowledged boxing could be his focus for 2024 (quotes via MMA Junkie.com).

“Possibility, yes. Strong possibility, I don’t know,” Ngannou said, when asked if he may only box in the coming year. ” “As I said, even before this fight, nothing was certain yet.”

“I win this fight, I’m fighting Fury –period,” Ngannou added. “Whether or not he has the belt.”

Fury is booked to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown on February 17th.

The 37-year-old Ngannou’s last MMA fight took place in January 2022, when he defended the UFC’s heavyweight title by recording a decision win over Ciryl Gane. The Cameroon-born fighter proceeded to sign with the PFL after failing to come to terms on a new UFC deal.