Francis Ngannou, renowned for his devastating punches in the world of MMA, is beaming with excitement after finalizing a deal to face WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated boxing match. The official announcement of their clash came last week, with the fight scheduled to take place on October 28th in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, had long expressed his desire to step into the ring with Fury. However, obstacles stood in his way until his contract with the UFC expired, granting him the freedom to pursue this monumental showdown. UFC President Dana White had initially dismissed the idea of Ngannou vs. Fury, and the fallout between Ngannou and the organization was widely publicized.
White claimed that he had offered Ngannou a substantial contract to stay with the UFC, suggesting that he would never make comparable money elsewhere. Nevertheless, Ngannou’s team asserts that he will earn more from the bout with Fury than he has in his entire UFC career. Rumors circulate that Ngannou stands to make over $8 million for the boxing match, a stark contrast to the $600,000 he earned in his last UFC fight.
Interestingly, Ngannou revealed that White had sent Fury a contract proposing a cross-sport clash with current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, but the terms were ultimately rejected. Reflecting on his tumultuous journey, Ngannou expressed a sense of satisfaction in continually proving White wrong, even when they appeared to be aligned. He also alluded to the scrutiny and skepticism he has faced throughout his career, acknowledging that not everyone wishes for his success.
The forthcoming bout between Ngannou and Fury not only promises an extraordinary clash between two fierce fighters but also serves as a testament to Ngannou’s resilience in the face of adversity. As he embarks on this new chapter, Ngannou is determined to triumph and demonstrate his undeniable skill on the grand stage of boxing.