UFC welterweight Matt Brown believes that the biggest fight that Francis Ngannou could have in MMA history would be against Jon Jones, and suggests that if the UFC were to co-promote with PFL, it would be the perfect opportunity for it to happen; otherwise, he advises Ngannou to focus on boxing, with potential matchups against Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder.
Francis Ngannou’s impressive performance against Tyson Fury has opened up numerous possibilities for his next fight. While he had already secured a multi-fight deal with PFL in MMA, his foray into boxing has made him a highly sought-after opponent for top heavyweights such as Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.
However, UFC welterweight Matt Brown believes that Ngannou should only consider returning to MMA under one specific condition. Brown suggests that a co-promotion between the UFC and PFL could lead to a historic fight between Ngannou and Jon Jones. He believes this would be the biggest fight in MMA history and urges both fighters to seize this opportunity.
It’s important to note that the UFC has previously shown no interest in co-promoting with other MMA promotions, even when it acquired organizations like Strikeforce and WEC. Despite this, Brown acknowledges that the UFC’s business moves can surprise everyone, especially considering their current status as a publicly traded company under the Endeavor banner.
One of the challenges Ngannou faces in MMA is finding opponents who can generate interest, particularly with the PFL planning to promote his fights on pay-per-view. The heavyweight division in MMA is relatively thin compared to other weight classes, and the UFC boasts the strongest roster of heavyweights, thus limiting Ngannou’s options considerably.
Brown emphasizes that Ngannou needs a compelling opponent to complement his star power and attract fans. Unless a fight against Jones materializes, Brown advises Ngannou to focus on boxing, where there are plenty of opportunities for him. The potential match-ups against Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are particularly intriguing, with Joshua’s vulnerability to getting hit presenting an interesting challenge for Ngannou’s boxing skills.
In conclusion, Ngannou’s boxing debut against Tyson Fury has opened doors for him in the sport, making him a highly desirable opponent for top heavyweights in boxing. While Brown believes that a co-promotion between the UFC and PFL leading to a fight against Jon Jones would be the ultimate dream fight, he also acknowledges the challenges and suggests that Ngannou should pursue opportunities in boxing, particularly against Anthony Joshua, which would provide valuable insight into his skills as a boxer.