Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in MMAJunkie.com.
Deontay Wilder says he’s “most definitely” ready to fight the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou Not just once, but twice.
Wilder, former heavyweight champion, said in an interview with TRILL BOXING TALKING that he and Ngannou talked about fighting each other when they met at UFC Apex in Las Vegas last September just weeks before his knockout win over Robert Helenius. Wilder said that UFC president Dana White also joined those conversations, making him want to take on Ngannou in both boxing and mixed martial arts.
“Even so, I didn’t even think about this idea: I was like, okay, let’s make it a two-way deal,” Wilder said. “People always come to boxing, but do this: You come to me, I come to you. You know what I’m saying? You feel me? You come to my house, I go to your house. … I am a true warrior.”
With Ngannou left the UFC last month and becoming a freelance agent, this idea can become more realistic than ever. Wilder is promoted by Showtime Boxing, which is “Actively pursuing” Ngannou, according to Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza. With Bellator events airing on Showtime, it opens up the possibility for Wilder and Ngannou to fight each other in boxing and MMA — but at Bellator, not the UFC.
Ngannou, 36, has yet to say what his next move will be. PFL And Bare Knuckle FC has expressed plans to make a run at its services. Tyson Fury also proposed the idea of a mixed rule fight with Ngannou.
Wilder, 37, is confident he will face Ngannou in the ring. As for MMA, he said he would be willing to work on his comprehensive skill set to give himself the best chance of winning.
Bottom line: Wilder liked the idea of fighting Ngannou.
“I can see it being a beautiful thing,” said Wilder. “I am speaking from my heart; it’s not just me thinking about the bigger picture of it. That’s just what my heart is telling me. It smiles when I think about this war. It feels warm. Hopefully it will come true.”
