Francis Ngannou is getting closer to a fight he has long desired against Deontay Wilder. Although there is no formal agreement yet, the Cameroonian fighter confirmed that talks are about to begin. “We haven’t committed personally, but it will be soon. We’re organising some things,” he revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show.
After bursting onto the boxing scene with a stunning debut against Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou has shown a firm interest in continuing to build his career in the ring, alongside his MMA commitments. With Wilder also showing willingness, the clash between two of the most feared fighters on the planet seems to be closer than imagined.
Will the fight between Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder take place? The conversation that could change boxing and MMA
Francis Ngannou has reiterated on multiple occasions that a fight against Deontay Wilder is his priority in boxing. “Yes, I’m looking for it, I would say it’s my favorite fight in boxing and MMA,” said the Cameroonian, even ruling out a future duel with Jon Jones, now retired. The fight between the two would represent a clash of two powerhouses with two knockout specialists.
Ngannou, 38, came to professional boxing in October 2023 and shocked the world by knocking down Tyson Fury before losing by a controversial split decision. However, in March 2024, Anthony Joshua knocked him out in the second round after knocking him down three times. After the heavy blow, the Cameroonian returned to MMA and won the PFL heavyweight title in October, knocking out Renan Ferreira in the first round.
Deontay Wilder’s present: Is he ready to face Francis Ngannou?
Deontay Wilder, 39, is coming off a TKO victory in June 2025 against Tyrell Anthony Herndon. It was his first win in more than two years after a series of defeats that included losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. The former world champion still maintains his reputation as one of the hardest punchers in boxing with 43 KOs in 44 wins.
In a previous interview with Ariel Helwani, Wilder also expressed his willingness to face Francis Ngannou: “I’m definitely interested,” he said. This possible fight would not only test the Cameroonian’s endurance in boxing, it would also allow Wilder to measure his validity against a hybrid figure who has managed to transcend two combat disciplines.
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