UFC heavyweight contender fancies Francis Ngannou’s chances against Deontay Wilder
UFC heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall shared his thoughts on Francis Ngannou’s potential boxing career, expressing his belief that Ngannou’s best chance against a top-ranked boxer would be against Deontay Wilder.
Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, recently signed a deal with PFL that allows him to pursue boxing before returning to MMA in mid-2024. Aspinall, who has been making waves in the UFC heavyweight division himself, sees the matchup between Ngannou and Wilder as a clash of two incredibly powerful fighters.
In an interview with JN Media UK, Aspinall expressed his excitement for a potential Ngannou vs. Wilder boxing bout. Aspinall acknowledged the immense punching power possessed by both fighters and described them as “two massive f*cking guys who can just punch holes in walls.” He expressed his genuine interest in witnessing such a matchup, recognizing the entertainment value that two heavyweights of that caliber would bring to the boxing ring.
Aspinall went on to discuss the current landscape of professional boxing, highlighting the reluctance of top fighters to face each other and the exorbitant financial demands associated with high-profile matchups. However, he firmly stated that he would definitely tune in to see Ngannou and Wilder square off, emphasizing the potential excitement and fireworks that the fight could deliver.
While acknowledging Wilder’s exceptional punching power, Aspinall also noted that in terms of boxing skills and defensive ability, Wilder falls behind other elite-level boxers such as Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. He described Wilder as “quite hittable” and suggested that his fight IQ may not be on par with some of the top boxers in the division. Aspinall believes that out of the elite-level boxers, Wilder would be the most favorable matchup for Ngannou, considering his lower level of boxing ability compared to fighters like Usyk and Fury.
“I would love to see him and Wilder, because it’s just two massive f*cking guys who can just punch holes in walls. It’s ridiculous. I would love to see that. Boxing is a funny, old game, isn’t it? It’s a funny game. No one wants to fight each other. It’s very bizarre. And if they do, they want 20 million (dollars) for it, so it’s ridiculous. I would definitely be tuning in for that. Ngannou and Wilder, that would be excellent.” “I think if there was anybody he (Ngannou) could beat, it would be Wilder. Wilder is – I don’t wanna slag the guy off because he’s one of the hardest punches ever. But as far as actual boxing ability, his level is way lower than someone like an (Oleksandr) Usyk or a Tyson Fury or somebody like that. But the guy’s punching power is absolutely off the chart. It’s absolutely ridiculous, out of this world. But I think he’s quite hittable, and his fight IQ doesn’t seem to be great… If there’s any of them he (Ngannou) could beat, it would definitely be Wilder.”
Joe Rogan Expresses Disappointment Over Francis Ngannou’s $8 Million PFL Deal
Joe Rogan, renowned UFC commentator and podcaster, has shared his disappointment regarding Francis Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC and join the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, parted ways with the promotion after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract.
Joe Rogan isn’t happy with Francis Ngannou leaving UFC and joining PFL for future endeavors. One of the biggest moves in recent times was when former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou failed to come to terms with UFC and left the promotion.
Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC and join the PFL has not pleased Joe Rogan. This was one of the largest transfers in recent memory. The Cameroonian-French revealed the big news of joining the Professional Fighters League as an MMA fighter. While Ngannou has mentioned that he’s very happy with the offer, Joe Rogan thinks otherwise.
In one of his recent podcasts on Spotify, Rogan explained that he isn’t positive about Ngannou’s PFL move. Rogan cleared the fact that he understands the money and freedom involved in the new contract for Ngannou but he’s too good for that promotion.
He said: “It’s a big loss in my mind, like him going over to the PFL. It bums me out. I understand it. I’m happy he’s going to get paid, I’m happy he’s going to get to box, but I loved watching this guy fight in the UFC. He was a f****** monster. He was so good, and he is so good. It’s going to be interesting. I just don’t know who they’re going to have him fight.”
Rogan claims that Ngannou is a monster and that the PFL lacks the kind of opponent necessary to face the “Predator.” Nevertheless, it’s going to be interesting to see what will happen next.
Joe Rogan’s disappointment reflects the sentiment of many fans who enjoyed watching Ngannou’s dominance in the UFC. While the PFL offers a lucrative deal for Ngannou, there are concerns about the level of competition he will face in his new promotion. Only time will tell how Ngannou’s career unfolds in the PFL and whether he will continue to deliver his awe-inspiring performances in the new setting.
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