Francis Ngannou is preparing to make his boxing debut and will likely compete in the sport later this year, but despite leaving the door open to an MMA comeback, a return to the cage may never unfold.
Scott Coker is always keen to improve his roster and has jumped at the opportunity to sign the colossus heavyweight, but a deal looks unlikely at this time. The Bellator CEO has shown a knack for scouting talent and alongside big names in the sport, the MMA figure has managed to snap up a bundle of great prospects.
While discussing Francis Ngannou’s situation, Scott Coker insisted that his team has been in contact with the former UFC champion but talks haven’t progressed between the two parties, though he remains hopeful of getting a deal done.
“My guys have been talking to Francis, I know they’ve met, I know Steven met with him on the boxing side. I’ve always said that I think we would be a perfect fit for him because he could do boxing [and] he could do MMA [with us], but I don’t think there’s anything close to a deal… Anything can happen but I’m not sure we’re going to be in that business on the MMA side, maybe for the boxing side it might work out… It has to be equitable for everybody… I would say it’s 50/50 this one.”
Despite being able to offer Ngannou a deal that he wanted from the UFC, it looks like the powerhouse is taking a different route and won’t sign with Bellator or any other MMA company until his venture into the squared circle is realized.
Check out what Scott Coker had to say about a potential deal with the heavyweight in the video below.
Francis Ngannou boxing: Will ‘The Predator’ actually compete in the sport?
While the news has gone quiet on Francis Ngannou’s potential boxing debut, the heavy-hitting star confirmed that work is being done in the background, with more insight likely coming within the next few months.
‘The Predator’ is determined to fulfill his boxing dream and has showcased that with the work he has been releasing to his followers on social media, but will his training montages amount to an actual bout?
Although his ideal matchup with Tyson Fury looks unlikely, Ngannou has been receiving offers from various big-name athletes and it seems the Cameroonian is welcoming a war with Deontay Wilder.