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UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou names 2 of his ‘dream opponents’

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Saikat Banerjee
Saikat Banerjee
A wordsmith who indulges in the world of combat sports, Saikat Banerjee is an MMA, boxing, and arm wrestling content writer at The MMA India Show and The Sports Room. Apart from combat sports, he also engages in Indian sports content at The Sports India Show. Currently pursuing an MBA from Jadavpur University, Saikat's other interests lie in motorcycling, working out, and travelling.
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Facing Francis Ngannou inside the Octagon is already a dream for many mixed martial artists, but even the reigning UFC heavyweight champion himself has his own set of dream fights. However, the Cameroonian’s dream opponents don’t belong to the mixed martial arts fraternity but are two of the greatest names in boxing- Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.

Francis Ngannou (16-3 MMA) recently hinted at a move to boxing, stemming from being unsatisfied with his paycheck at the UFC, saying that he has been borrowing money for training camp, and many times has brought up the pay controversy that is prevalent in the MMA top drawer.

Francis Ngannou’s dream fight is facing prime Ali or Tyson

In the wake of Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3, in which both the pugilists earned lumpsum paychecks, Ngannou believes that he also deserves a boxer-level salary despite being in the tougher discipline of combat sports and as his upcoming UFC 270 fight against interim heavyweight champ Ciryl Gane approaches, ‘The Predator’ is very eager to make a move to the squared circle to earn the payday he is worthy of.

Mike Tyson vs. Muhammad Ali: Who wins the ultimate heavyweight fight? | The  Tylt

During a recent appearance on Jeff’s Barbershop, Ngannou was asked to name any heavyweight legends from the world of boxing that he would dream of squaring off inside the ring, and he mentioned Ali and Tyson.

“I think I will put (boxing legends) Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson,” said Ngannou.

The UFC is trying to discredit me: Francis Ngannou

The no 5 ranked UFC pound for pound fighter, who refused to defend his belt against the undefeated Frenchman Gane at UFC 265, also accused Dana White’s company of discrediting him.

“From what I’m seeing, the UFC is trying to discredit me. That’s what I know. And those promoting somebody cannot work together with discrediting him. You don’t do that to somebody that you want to promote,” said Ngannou.

“What do I look for? First of all, I look for some respect, that’s to start. Then I look to get stuff right, I look to feel like I’m respected, to feel like they care at least. That’s it. I never asked for anything more than that. That would be enough for me. … I gained the position that I am at,” the 35-year-old went on, “I wasn’t nominated, I wasn’t assigned to be here, I earned it. So that means I deserve a little bit of respect, just a little bit. I’m not a big deal, just a little famous, that’s it. (Laughs).” [H/T BJPenn.com]

Highlights:

  • Francis Ngannou reveals his dream opponents to be Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson
  • The UFC heavyweight champion is set to face interim champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January
  • Francis Ngannou is currently on rough relations with the UFC regarding his paycheck in the company

How well do you think Francis Nagnnou would have done against prime Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson? Let us know in the comments.

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UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou names 2 of his 'dream opponents' - Francis NgannouUFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou names 2 of his 'dream opponents' - Francis NgannouUFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou names 2 of his 'dream opponents' - Francis NgannouUFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou names 2 of his 'dream opponents' - Francis NgannouUFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou names 2 of his 'dream opponents' - Francis Ngannou

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