UFC CEO, Dana White, recently shared his astonishment at the thrilling showdown between former undisputed heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, and WBC champion, Tyson Fury. In his first reaction since their epic clash earlier this month, White described Ngannou’s ability to go the distance with Fury as “unbelievable.”
Ngannou, who previously held the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight title, parted ways with the organization in January, and his foray into professional boxing has been nothing short of astonishing. His final UFC fight was a title unification victory over interim champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 last year.
In his professional boxing debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ngannou faced the Morecambe native, Fury, in a 10-round battle. The fight featured a dramatic third-round knockdown by Ngannou, showcasing his incredible power. Although he narrowly lost via a split decision, Ngannou’s performance left fans and experts in awe.
Many anticipated that Ngannou would tire after the second round, but he proved his endurance and skill by dominating Fury in the eighth round.
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White, who hasn’t had a chance to watch the fight yet, expressed his amazement during an appearance on the Triggered video podcast. He compared Ngannou’s achievement to other notable crossovers, such as Conor McGregor’s bout with Floyd Mayweather and Anthony Pettis’s victory over Roy Jones Jr.
“The fact that he (Francis Ngannou) went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury is crazy,” White commented. “I didn’t see the fight, but the fact that he went 10 rounds is unbelievable. I don’t care. Listen, these guys, at some point, everybody is going to move on. Everybody has to do what is right for them and make money for their families, so whatever they have got to do.”
Ngannou, who recently signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), has expressed his desire to secure a rematch with Fury in the world of professional boxing. The Cameroonian fighter’s remarkable journey from the UFC to the boxing ring has certainly opened the door for more MMA athletes dreaming of making their mark in the “sweet science.”
While White remains skeptical of the challenges in dealing with the boxing world, there is no denying the allure and fascination of Ngannou’s extraordinary feat in the ring. Fight fans eagerly await what’s next for this incredible athlete as he continues his journey in professional boxing.
In the ever-evolving world of combat sports, Francis Ngannou’s transition from the UFC to professional boxing has been nothing short of extraordinary. His recent 10-round bout against WBC champion Tyson Fury left fans and experts in awe, and UFC CEO Dana White himself described it as “unbelievable.” Despite not having watched the fight, White acknowledged the significance of Ngannou’s accomplishment, comparing it to other high-profile crossovers in combat sports. This remarkable journey showcases the potential for MMA fighters to make their mark in the world of boxing, hinting at a possible shift in the dynamics of the sports world. As Ngannou eyes a rematch and continues his career in professional boxing, the combat sports community eagerly awaits the next chapter of this thrilling and unexpected story.
