Later this month, one of the biggest collisions in boxing’s crossover craze will go down from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In the Middle East, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will make his long-awaited debut as a professional pugilist. The feat has been one on his radar even before his entry into mixed martial arts.
And having departed the MMA leader earlier this year in pursuit of improved contractual terms, “The Predator” has found the freedom he desires under the Professional Fighters League banner.
Ahead of a return to MMA in the PFL next year, the Cameroonian will step between the ropes for the first time on October 28, when he meets the challenge of reigning WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury.
Given the British pro’s credentials and undefeated record, not many are giving Ngannou a chance of having his hand raised. That’s undoubtedly the case with Fury, who has gone as far as signing on the dotted line to face Oleksandr Usyk just two months later.
The announcement of that planned December clash caused a stir in the combat sports community, and one former two-division UFC titleholder has branded the move incredibly “disrespectful.”
Daniel Cormier: Tyson Fury Expects To Be ‘Completely Clean’ After Francis Ngannou Fight
During a recent episode of ESPN MMA’s DC & RC show, ex-light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier reacted to Fury’s confirmed outing opposite “The Cat” in December.
“DC” broke down what the booking signals about Fury’s attitude towards Ngannou, with the UFC color commentator noting that “The Gypsy King” fully expects to emerge from his contest against “The Predator” without a scratch.
“It is the most disrespectful thing Tyson Fury could do,” Cormier said. “It is so disrespectful! Tyson Fury knows. It’s kind of crazy, bro, because I hope Francis knocks his head off. I like Tyson Fury, I watched his show on Netflix and fell in love with the dude. I like Tyson Fury so much now. I love his personality, I love his family. But it is the most disrespectful thing that you could do.
“He scheduled a fight two months later, essentially saying that he’s gonna be completely clean when he’s done with Francis Ngannou,” Cormier continued. “So he’s gonna beat Francis and go fight the number two heavyweight in the world right after. It’s crazy.”
The news also appeared to take Ngannou by surprise. The ex-UFC champ took to social media in the aftermath to outline his intentions to spoil Fury’s plan for a quick turnaround with a violent display come fight night on October 28.