WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has expressed his willingness to fight Francis Ngannou in MMA.
Such a statement should be taken with a pinch of salt, given Fury’s prior comments about entering the cage. During a recent back-and-forth with the UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, Fury backtracked on his comments about facing ‘Bones.’ This was despite the fact that Jones was ready to get the fight on.
Therefore, the ‘Gypsy King’s’ comments about a cage fight with Ngannou did come out of the blue. However, this may simply be as a way to draw more eyes on their crossover bout. The duo will face each other on October 28th, 2023, as Ngannou boxes for the first time ever. But given that Jake Paul had offered to run things back with Nate Diaz in MMA, Fury’s comments do hint at something similar.
“I’d like to fight Ngannou in the cage, I think I could beat him, for sure. He’s not a good jiu-jitsu man, he’s not a good wrestler, he’s known for striking, and I’m a better striker than him! With the little gloves, I’d knock him out in seconds. He’s a stand-up striker, I’m a f***ing stand-up striker too. Doing a little bit of kicking and blocking. I’ll elbow him in the teeth, do all that. Did any of you guys see me training with Darren Till? Just smacking the pads, bang, bang! Elbows,” Fury
If those comments were taken to be true, it would suggest Fury may not be chasing the biggest fights in the sport. Although an MMA bout will no doubt be lucrative, there would always be a chance of a serious injury.
Social Media Reaction
“In a cage” 😂😂😂
— Combat’s Badboys (@combatsbadboys) September 8, 2023
Please make this happen🙇🏻
— Mike Sharpe ~ Investment King 👑 (@Mike_Sharpe_) September 8, 2023
Lol he can beat him in the boxing ring no doubt about it but in the cage?! I absolutely don't think so 😂
— siyabulela toni (@siyabulela_toni) September 8, 2023