Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Pragjyoti Singh
Former UFC Heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou’s desire to step into the boxing ring is no secret for MMA fans. And rumors around a possible bout with some of the superstars in boxing have only picked up pace since he bid his goodbyes to the UFC. Following that, the first piece of news that came out was of Tyson Fury’s proposed hybrid boxing match which Ngannou himself has seemingly agreed to on Twitter. Although there have been no official confirmations on that side of things, another boxer has also now thrown his name into the mix.
Former WBC Heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder has joined the discussions of a possible bout with Ngannou after he recently revealed his desire to box the African. During an appearance on Trill Boxing Talk, ‘Bronze Bomber’ talked about his intentions on facing the former UFC champ while not shying away from a possible MMA bout in the future.
Deontay Wilder on facing Francis Ngannou in a boxing and an MMA fight.
The 37-year-old American during the conversation expressed his admiration for the Cameroonian while welcoming a boxing bout as well. Wilder even agreed that Africa sounded like a good destination if the fight was to eventually take place.
“I love Francis.When I met him at the [UFC] APEX in Vegas, we was talking about it during that time and I’m still interested in that fight. I would love to go to Africa for that one. I would love to do that one in Africa “ Stated Wilder.
He then proposed the idea of a two fight deal which would see him step inside an MMA cage follwing the boxing match. “I even thought about this idea. Let’s make it a two-fight deal. Everybody always comes to boxing. Let’s do this — you come to my s***, I come to yours. You come to my house, I come to yours. A true tea party. I love that idea. I’m a true warrior.” Expressed the 37 yer old.
Now, although it might turn out to be quite an uphill task for Wilder to prepare for an MMA appearance, some would still believe that it is a much more logical option than the one proposed by Tyson Fury. The Britisher had made a wild proposal to Ngannou a few weeks back, which famously involved 4 oz gloves, boxing rules,an MMA cage and even Mike Tyson as an official. What’s more bizarre was the fact that the Cameroonian even agreed to this outlandish proposal by Fury.
Wilder on training specifically for Mixed Martial Arts
Reiterating the fact that he wouldn’t mind facing Ngannou in Africa, Wilder claimed that the fight would be massive, considering they are both big stars.
“I’d love to go over there to the continent and do it. That’s going to be a Marvel fight, two big Black superheroes and let’s just be nice. I’d love to do it. I think it would be great.” Stated the American.
As he pointed out again to the possibility of fighting inside a cage, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ even claimed that he might eventually end up liking the sport.
“Cause he’s going to be training coming over where I am [in boxing]. Why would I not train in what he do? I might like the s***. I might crossover. This is my new home. I’m going to be kicking motherf****** now. For sure, I’ll get one of the best trainers out there.” pointed out Wilder.
These statements from the former WBC champ clearly reflect the type of mindset he embodies. And ultimately, who really knows, he might end up stepping inside the cage, ushering a whole new trend of boxers stepping into MMA and not just the other way round.
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