Francis Ngannou is chasing Deontay Wilder for the thrill, the challenge, and the chance to clash with one of boxing’s last true knockout kings. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion turned boxer, has announced that he is “setting up” a vicious bout, aiming to return to boxing for this clash.
Not just Ngannou, even Wilder is fired up for the clash. “I’m looking forward to that one, so stay tuned,” he said.
[Trending] Is Ngannou vs Wilder Really Happening?
The highly anticipated clash is actively being pursued and is likely to happen soon. However, it has not yet been official.
Ngannou confirmed that he is “setting up” a fight with Deontay Wilder, telling the Ariel Helwani Show, “Yes, I am pursuing it. We haven’t engaged personally, but it’s gonna be soon. We’re setting some things up, but I keep training. I’m training.”
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Francis Ngannou says he wants Deontay Wilder next and revealed he’s currently “setting some things up” 👀
Would you like to see this fight happen⁉️
Via (@arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/sDYGRPJ2ex
— Source of Boxing (@Sourceofboxing) August 19, 2025
Further, he emphasized that this bout is his preferred next fight in both boxing and MMA, especially after the planned crossover with UFC legend Jon Jones was canceled: “I would say [it’s my preferred fight in boxing and MMA]; since the Jon Jones fight is off, it cannot be part of it.”
[Report] Is Wilder Also Ready for This Clash?
Talking to the ARIEL X ADE show, Wilder also hinted at the possibility of facing Francis Ngannou later in 2025.
Wilder said, “Me and Francis, that fight, it still comes up. It came up two more times not too long ago.”
He further added, “We are just trying to figure out how we want the segment to go with me and Ngannou. I am looking forward to that one, so stay tuned.”
[Update] Are Ngannou And PFL In Good Terms?
Many raised eyebrows when Ngannou shifted his focus to boxing, but clarifying his relationship with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he still has one fight left on his contract, said it remains strong: “All you have to know is that we are good.”
Since departing the UFC in early 2023, where he was a former heavyweight champion, Ngannou has focused more on boxing, but he returned to MMA in October 2024, dominating Renan Ferreira for a first-round stoppage and capturing the PFL heavyweight title.
The 38-year-old Cameroonian has an MMA record of 18-3, with 17 wins by KO or submission, underscoring his continued dominance as a multi-discipline fighter.
[Revealed] Why This Upcoming Boxing Clash Is a Crucial Comeback?
Francis Ngannou vs Deontay Wilder is clearly a clever move by Ngannou to bounce back in the boxing world.
We all witnessed his last boxing match defeat to Anthony Joshua by knockout in 2024, so Ngannou is eager to re-establish himself in the boxing world.
This bout against Wilder, a former heavyweight champion and knockout artist, represents an opportunity for Ngannou to prove he still belongs among the top heavy hitters and can compete at a high level.
Pankaj Kapoor’s Take
In my opinion, Ngannou vs Wider is an unpredictable matchup, with both fighters having the power to win decisively.
Let’s talk about Ngannou first: he is younger and has a recent MMA championship win under his belt, but has a less developed boxing record and was recently knocked out by Anthony Joshua in boxing.
Wilder, although older and having suffered several recent losses, remains a seasoned and dangerous heavyweight boxer with one of the most feared knockout punches in history.
Undoubtedly, this clash is a last big opportunity for both to prove they still belong among boxing’s elite heavyweights.
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