Three heavyweight sluggers Francis Ngannou could face following his PFL debut victory over Renan Ferreira

10/20/2024 06:43 AM

Francis Ngannou is set to land a blockbuster heavyweight showdown following his scintillating first-round stoppage victory over Renan Ferreira on Saturday night.

The former UFC champion made lightwork of his 6ft 8 inch opponent in Saudi Arabia, retaining his lineal heavyweight title in an unforgettable PFL debut.

But now, the 38-year-old will undoubtedly be looking to secure the biggest and most lucrative fight for his next outing, whether it be in the octagon or ring.

MMA fans, of course, would love nothing more than to see an all-action dustup between Francis Ngannou and UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

And yet, while the potential clash certainly remains possible, it is difficult to see how the pair would lock horns after fighting under rival promotional banners.

But the Cameroonian has, after all, left the door open for a potential return to boxing following his back-to-back defeats to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

And so, it is now worth considering who the pulverizing puncher could face if he were to return to the ring.

Francis Ngannou vs Deontay Wilder

Ngannou's long-term trainer, Eric Nicksick, has teased a potential collision between his heavyweight charge and former WBC world champion Deontay Wilder.

Wilder comes off a crushing fifth-round stoppage defeat to seasoned Chinaman Zhilei Zhang, which followed his surprising loss to Joseph Parker towards the end of last year.

In response, many combat sports aficionados have questioned whether the 38-year-old has anything left in the tank.

But still, a clash between Ngannou and Wilder – two formidable knockout artists – would surely deliver fireworks from the opening bell.

Francis Ngannou vs Dillian Whyte

This crossover matchup was mooted back in 2020, when Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn received a legal letter from the UFC for hosting a virtual face-off between the pair.

Ngannou, of course, was under contract with MMA's flagship promotion back then. But now, it seems as though there is nothing stopping him from taking on former world title challenger Dillian Whyte.

After becoming a solid heavyweight contender, Whyte suffered a devastating sixth-round stoppage defeat to Fury back in 2022.

The Brit has also failed multiple tests for performance-enhancing drugs, but nonetheless continues to compete at the age of 36.

Francis Ngannou vs Martin Bakole

If Ngannou is looking for an all-African slugfest, then top heavyweight contender Martin Bakole could be his perfect dance partner.

Bakole comes off a destructive fifth-round stoppage over highly-touted American prospect Jared Anderson, bursting onto the scene with his emphatic performance.

And so, with the Congolese campaigner representing one of the most fearsome heavyweight boxers, this matchup could make for a compelling homecoming in Africa for Ngannou.