Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou (right)(image via Matchroom Boxing / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Now that Francis Ngannou has been booked for another, notable boxing match, there’s been considerable speculation regarding his future in MMA. But, according to the former UFC heavyweight champ, he will fight in a cage again.

Recently, it was announced that Ngannou will fight boxing star, Anthony Joshua on March 8th. The boxing match came together on account of Ngannou’s performance against heavyweight champ, Tyson Fury in October, in which he knocked the boxer down before losing a split decision.

The Joshua fight will further delay Ngannou’s PFL debut, which is expected to take place in 2024. However, if Ngannou defeats Joshua, or if the fight’s competitive, other offers to box will surely follow.

But, while talking to DAZN, Ngannou insisted he will fight under MMA rules again (comments via MMA Fighting).

“It’s a combination,” Ngannou said while discussing his plans for boxing and MMA. “I’m a guy who fights, I mean, I don’t really like to get hit, but I like to hit people. Anytime when there’s some good person to hit in a big fight, ring me up, I will come and try to hit and not get hit. That’s what matters.

“At this point, I’m not done with MMA. I can tell you that I’m not done with MMA, because I still believe that there’s still some great fights out there that I can still offer fans. My MMA fans were my base, who also helped me to get to this position, so I’m still thinking about how to work with that community.”

The 37-year-old Ngannou (17-3) hasn’t fought in MMA since January, 2022, when he recorded a unanimous decision win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270.