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Francis Ngannou is reportedly in discussions to face combat sports legend Rico Verhoeven in the summer of 2025. The potential matchup would be a massive coup for any organization, as both fighters are among the most recognizable and accomplished figures in their respective disciplines.
Ngannou, formerly the UFC heavyweight champion, made his return to mixed martial arts in October with an impressive first-round TKO win over Renan Ferreira at the Professional Fighters League (PFL) event. Verhoeven, a nine-year veteran of MMA, is the reigning Glory Kickboxing Heavyweight Champion and sports a remarkable 65-10 record.
The fight would mark Ngannou’s second attempt to compete in a non-UFC sanctioned bout since his departure from the organization earlier this year. In 2023 and 2024, he stepped into the boxing ring with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, respectively. A face-off against Verhoeven would be a significant step forward for Ngannou as he continues to explore opportunities beyond the UFC.
The PFL, which has been plagued by controversy in recent weeks, could greatly benefit from landing such a high-profile matchup. The organization’s end-of-2024 public relations woes have included complaints of inactivity from several Bellator champions and a prominent fighter expressing her desire for more competitive matches in 2025. A fight featuring Ngannou and Verhoeven would not only provide the PFL with a much-needed distraction but also grant them the biggest success story tied to their promotion.
In a statement earlier this week, PFL owner Donn Davis acknowledged the challenges faced by the organization and expressed his enthusiasm for an exciting year ahead. The hope is that the PFL can regain its momentum following Ngannou’s high-profile departure from the UFC and other promotions vying for his services.
The potential Ngannou-Verhoeven matchup has sparked significant interest in the combat sports community, with many fans eagerly awaiting official confirmation of the bout.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
