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Francis Ngannou In Talks To Face Combat Sports Legend In 2025
UFC legend Francis Ngannou is reportedly in talks to face combat sports legend Rico Verhoeven in a highly anticipated match set to take place in the summer of 2025. While no official confirmation has been made, sources close to the situation suggest that both parties have engaged in preliminary discussions regarding the fight.
Ngannou, who recently made his return to mixed martial arts with an emphatic TKO win over Renan Ferreira at the Professional Fighters League (PFL), is looking for new challenges and opportunities outside of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Meanwhile, Verhoeven remains one of the most dominant figures in the kickboxing world, boasting a professional record of 65-10 with an impressive 21 KO victories.
The potential fight would mark a significant shift in Ngannou’s career trajectory. While he has previously faced other combat sports legends such as Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in high-profile exhibitions, this bout would represent his first major step outside of the UFC. Conversely, Verhoeven has historically avoided forays into MMA or professional boxing, choosing instead to focus on his kickboxing pursuits.
In the event that Ngannou-Verhoeven does come to fruition, it would be a massive coup for the PFL and its leadership. The organization has faced significant backlash in recent weeks due to issues related to fighter activity and scheduling concerns, with several prominent fighters speaking out against their treatment. By securing a fight of this caliber, the PFL could potentially regain momentum and improve its standing within the combat sports community.
It is worth noting that while Verhoeven has had limited experience in MMA and professional boxing, he has shown no hesitation to take on the best of the best in his native kickboxing discipline. If Ngannou-Verhoeven does materialize, it would mark a significant departure from Verhoeven’s typical career path.
The PFL’s ability to facilitate this fight is seen as crucial for their future growth and viability. The organization has struggled to regain its footing after the high-profile signing of Francis Ngannou last year, and securing a high-stakes match such as this could be the catalyst needed to get things back on track.
As the situation continues to unfold, fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation regarding the bout.
Source: www.forbes.com
