Francis Ngannou facing Tyson Fury in a crossover bout is considered the biggest upset in combat sports history, with Ngannou’s chances of winning realistically slim to none, but the spectacle of the event and the potential for a knockout makes it an exciting fight to watch.
Francis Ngannou is preparing to face Tyson Fury in an unprecedented matchup that few believed would ever happen. Ngannou, the lineal MMA heavyweight champion, has been making waves since parting ways with the UFC earlier this year, leading up to his highly anticipated fight with Fury. However, there are doubts about Ngannou’s chances of success when he steps into the ring, and many question whether he is due for a reality check. MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin, Mike Heck, and Alexander K. Lee have examined the potential outcome of the fight and speculated on what lies ahead for both fighters.
The analysts unanimously agree that if Ngannou were to defeat Fury, it would be the biggest upset in combat sports history, surpassing James “Buster” Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson. While Douglas was relatively unknown at the time, he still had professional experience in the boxing ring. Ngannou, on the other hand, has zero professional boxing fights to his name. His only advantage in the fight is his immense power and knockout potential, which has been demonstrated in his MMA career. However, knocking out Fury, a skilled and experienced boxer, is an entirely different challenge.
While the odds may not favor Ngannou, his potential victory would have a significant impact on the combat sports world. It would inspire hope and could send shockwaves throughout the industry. The analysts acknowledge that there have been other notable upsets in recent boxing history, but the unpredictability and unconventional nature of this matchup make a Ngannou win a possibility that cannot be ruled out.
Moving on to their excitement for the fight, the analysts express varying levels of anticipation. Lee rates his excitement level at a solid 7 and expects it to increase as the fight approaches. He embraces the chaos and views it as a rare spectacle between two of the best fighters in their respective disciplines. Martin, however, sits at a 6 on the excitement scale, acknowledging that the fight may not remain competitive for long. Despite this, he recognizes the allure of such matchups, which have historically captivated audiences with their spectacle and unpredictability.
In conclusion, the analysts recognize the momentousness of a potential Ngannou victory and the excitement surrounding the fight. While the odds may be against him, the unconventional nature of this matchup leaves room for the unexpected. Fans and spectators eagerly await the outcome, knowing they may witness history in the making.