Many pundits have informed Francis Ngannou that his abilities are limited to mixed martial arts (MMA) and that he will have a challenging transition to boxing and contributing to UFC fight night odds.

Ngannou, 36 years old at the time, relinquished his heavyweight title in the UFC and departed the organization after declining multiple contract offers. UFC president Dana White stated that the organization had forfeited the right to match whatever deal Ngannou receives. The free agent can join a rival MMA company or move to the box.

The Cameroonian "man-mountain" has long desired to attempt boxing, and many are curious about when Ngannou will enter the ring. Ngannou looked up to former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson as a child. He has repeatedly stated that he wants to fight in the ring and has issued challenges to Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder.

Ngannou on the Hunt

Ngannou joined the UFC in 2015. He soon rose through the ranks and earned a championship bout against Stipe Miocic. Miocic outworked his opponent and won by unanimous vote. A few months later, he decided poorly by selecting Derrick Lewis.

When Ngannou changed sides, he began fighting like a madman. He defeated all of his opponents in the heavyweight division by knockout. This allowed him to rematch Miocic at UFC 260 in 2021. He defeated Miocic in the second round that night.

Ngannou stated, "I still want to compete in boxing and remain in mixed martial arts."

"My first sport was mixed martial arts, and I have much to give in my discipline. In a perfect world, I would go out and book some boxing contests, and then, if there were no issues, I would book some MMA bouts.

"If the best boxers exist, I want to fight them. I'm uncertain, but I believe Fury has resigned and returned. I have yet to find out where Fury is, but it's time for him to arrive. Previously, social media was the only way we could achieve anything concrete.

"I'll accept it if it has any relation to Tyson Fury. I'm fine with boxing with 4oz gloves; we'll figure something out. A battle between Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my top pick."

After defeating Ciryl Gane in January 2022 to capture the UFC heavyweight championship, Ngannou began discussing the possibility of a crossover meeting with boxing's WBC champion Tyson Fury.

The Cameroonian knockout artist could not fight Fury immediately due to a knee ailment and an expiring clause in his contract.

He is now a free agent who is approaching full fitness. A bout with "The Gypsy King," who challenged him in April and may be highly profitable, has no obstacles.

Could We See it Happen?

It is unclear when Ngannou will fight again since he is still recovering from knee surgery. However, the former UFC champion hopes to participate in boxing before returning to mixed martial arts. The bare-knuckle boxing company BKFC and the mixed martial arts league PFL have expressed interest in signing Ngannou after he departed the UFC.

Fury has stated that he is willing to fight Ngannou in an exhibition match and a cage while wearing MMA gloves.

Now that Fury has opted not to retire and is scheduled to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed world heavyweight title, a crossover bout between Fury and Ngannou may be less compelling.

Fury knocked out and stopped Dillian Whyte in six rounds. Then, he summoned Ngannou to the ring to discuss a potential hybrid rules crossover match in 2023.

Since then, rumors of a bout between two of the world's toughest men have subsided. Instead, Fury appears determined to become the first heavyweight champion to earn four belts by defeating Oleksandr Usyk.

If for some reason, the fight does not take place in March; the Englishman may wish to speak with Ngannou once more.

Even if Fury or Joshua does not want to fight Ngannou, he will still receive great attention as the former UFC heavyweight champion.

According to rumors, Ngannou weighs over 300 pounds and is out of shape. He is currently unable to train because he had knee surgery and is still recovering. What will Ngannou do once he is once again ready to fight?