17 July 2023 , 12:27
944
0
MMA fans are over the moon for beloved heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou after it was announced he will fight Tyson Fury later this year.
The mismatch will see the lineal UFC heavyweight champion face the lineal boxing champion in an unprecedented crossover bout on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. And after years of being paid considerably less than his ring equivalents, the Cameroonian will pocket a monster eight-figure payout for the fight.
In his first world title defence under the UFC banner, Ngannou headlined a sold-out KIA Forum in Los Angeles on pay-per-view, but was guaranteed a purse of just $600,000. He was offered a significantly improved deal to stay and face Jon Jones, but turned it down and vacated his belt in favour of the PFL, and now a lucrative boxing match.
And fans are delighted for the heavyweight star, who was homeless in Europe after leaving his native Cameroon in search of fighting success early in life. A reddit thread regarding the fight announcement received over 1,500 comments over the past week, with supporters revelling in Ngannou's long-awaited success.
"Very happy for Francis," one wrote, before adding that Ngannou can now say "Hey Dana look at me". Another added: "F*** yeah. Absolutely fantastic for Francis, he got everything he wanted." The sentiment continued with many noting that a few weeks ago, with over a year-and-a-half since his last fight, fans were mocking the fighter for leaving the UFC.
Logan Paul and KSI announce new partnership with UFC president Dana White
"LMAO, remember everyone saying he overvalued himself and f***ed up big time not resigning with the UFC," one user wrote, before another added: "Hopefully this will give more fighters the courage to stand up against Dana," And another wrote: "All you idiots who said zero chance this happens show yourself."
Francis Ngannou will finally earn an eight-figure payout for the bout (AFP via Getty Images)Are you excited for Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Indeed, Ngannou would need one of sport's greatest upsets to defeat Fury in a boxing contest, but it appears viewers are more interested in the culmination of his epic life story. He has already secured his MMA future, and should be pull off the monumental victory will have a rematch with Fury.
The bout may end up on both men's professional records, but will not see Fury's WBC heavyweight title put on the line due to Ngannou being an unranked no-bout fighter in the boxing ring. However, a win would see the pair fight again, and a case could then be made for the belt to be up for grabs.