26 Apr 2022

UFC champ wants to fight Fury next year

4:04 pm on 26 April 2022

UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou hopes to fight Tyson Fury in a crossover bout next year.

Fury the WBC heavyweight champion suggested he'd fight Ngannou when the pair spoke in the ring following the Briton's win over Dillian Whyte at the weekend.

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury of Great Britain (L) lands a punch on US challenger Deontay Wilder (R) during a fight for the WBC/Lineal Heavyweight title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 9, 2021. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)

Photo: AFP or licensors

"We both want this fight, that's clear, and we respect each other," Ngannou told the MMA Hour podcast.

"Probably next year it will happen. I think it's going to happen, it's just a matter of our promotions, but we will sort this out at some point."

Ngannou, who defended his title with a win over Cyril Gane in January, said the potential bout could combine elements of boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA).

"Make it a hybrid fight, something that makes it a little uncomfortable for him as a boxer," Ngannou said.

"Ideas like MMA gloves or fighting barefoot. I don't know, we still have to figure this out.

"I would say there's a 70% chance (my next opponent) is Tyson Fury. On his side I would say 90% against me."

-Reuters