Francis Ngannou, the renowned combat sports athlete, is on the verge of making a significant comeback. His journey in both mixed martial arts and boxing has been marked by thrilling battles and notable setbacks. With the support and vision of Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, Ngannou's path ahead holds great potential.

Unraveling Ngannou's Combat Sports Odyssey

Ngannou's Return to MMA

In October, Francis Ngannou made a highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts. His debut appearance for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) was a resounding success as he scored a first-round TKO win over Renan Ferreira. This victory showcased his exceptional fighting skills and reignited the excitement around his career. Ngannou's return to the MMA ring after a period of absence demonstrated his determination and readiness to dominate once again.After his successful MMA comeback, Ngannou ventured into the heavyweight boxing arena. He engaged in two high-profile boxing matches, facing tough opponents. In one instance, he was narrowly defeated by split decision by then WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, highlighting the intense competition in the boxing world. Later, he suffered a two-round knockout loss at the hands of Anthony Joshua earlier this year. These boxing experiences added another dimension to his combat sports resume and tested his mettle in a different combat discipline.

Ngannou's Saudi Connection

Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has played a crucial role in Ngannou's career. Alalshikh, known for his efforts to make Riyadh the new 'fight capital' of the world, has plans for Ngannou in both boxing and mixed martial arts. He has expressed his desire to see if former world champion Deontay Wilder could be a viable opponent for 'The Predator.' Alalshikh's vision and financial backing have opened up new opportunities for Ngannou and added an international dimension to his career.Speaking recently, Alalshikh revealed his plans during an interview with the broadcaster DAZN. He mentioned that he needs to assess Wilder's condition by having a brief conversation with him. This shows Alalshikh's cautious approach in ensuring that any future matchups are well-planned and have a high chance of success. Ngannou is set to visit Alalshikh in December to watch the Usyk vs Fury rematch, further strengthening their partnership and indicating the potential for more exciting combat sports events.

Wilder's Role and the Future

Deontay Wilder, at one point with an undefeated record of 43 professional fights in 2019, has seen his performances dip in recent years. He has suffered defeats to the likes of Fury, Joseph Parker, and Zhilei Zhang. However, his potential matchup with Ngannou remains a topic of much speculation. Given their reputations as the hardest punchers in their respective sports, a cross-code battle between Ngannou and Wilder would be a highly anticipated event.Wilder has on several occasions teased the possibility of taking on Ngannou in mixed martial arts, becoming one of the few top-level boxers to openly consider a crossover fight. The combination of Ngannou's MMA prowess and Wilder's boxing skills would create a unique and exciting matchup that could attract a global audience. As we look to the future, it remains to be seen how these two combat sports giants will navigate their paths and potentially face off in the ring or cage.