Fedor Emelianenko wants Francis Ngannou boxing match, denies talks

Fedor Emelianenko is interested in boxing Francis Ngannou, but says no negotiations are underway. Emelianenko described the matchup as a dream fight, explaining that injuries prevent him from considering an MMA return. The Russian veteran remains open to facing the former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion in the boxing ring.Fedor Emelianenko says injuries rule out an MMA return but leaves the door open to boxing Francis Ngannou Emelianenko (40-7, 1 NC) is widely regarded as one of MMA’s greatest heavyweights. A dominant champion in Pride during the 2000s, “The Last Emperor” retired after his final Bellator appearance in 2023. The 50-year-old said his interest in facing Ngannou is strictly hypothetical. “If we’re talking about being a downright dream, I’d be interested in fighting Francis Ngannou under boxing rules,” Emelianenko told Ushatayka. “I couldn’t manage MMA now because I have too many injuries, but I’d have a go at him in boxing. That’s just me thinking out loud. I never said we were in negotiations.” Ngannou (19-3) left the UFC in 2023 after contract negotiations broke down. He subsequently signed with the Professional Fighters League, making his only appearance for the promotion in 2024. Before that bout, the Cameroonian lost boxing matches to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Ngannou most recently competed at Most Valuable Promotions’ inaugural MMA event in May, knocking out Philipe Lins in the first round.