What should Francis Ngannou do next?

By Jonny Bray

Francis Ngannou has the world at his feet at the start of 2022.

The MMA fighter and reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion is known as the hardest recorded puncher in the world, he's beginning to enter the sporting mainstream, and he's just beaten Ciryl Gane at UFC 270.

The victory was via a unanimous decision, and now Ngannou has a professional record of 17 wins and three losses.

But his next step is far from clear.

Many will want to see the UFC Heavyweight title defended again as soon as possible, but Ngannou has plenty of options as to who his next opponent will be.

He could even leave the octagon to set up some big-money exhibition bouts against WBC Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who is reportedly open to fighting Ngannou in what would be an incredible clash between MMA and boxing.

In recent weeks, Jake Paul has also thrown his hat in the ring, but would he really step into the octagon or a boxing ring against one of the most feared men in combat sports?

Jake Paul

Jake Paul has described Ngannou as boring.

To some, that may sound hilarious, particularly considering how dull and low quality most of Paul's fights have been.

I'll be honest. I'd rather Ngannou didn't fight this guy.

I want him to make the money he deserves, and seriously injuring Jake Paul would be one way to get it, but we as a society need to stop promoting these horrendous human beings.

The reason Paul has a platform is because he knows getting people to hate him is the best way to guarantee celebrity in this day and age.

I would prefer it if Ngannou didn't give him the oxygen or the platform.

Sadly though, it is clearly an easy and appealing payday for the UFC fighter.

Tyson Fury

This one would be fascinating.

Ngannou is one of the hardest hitters in the world, but no one can avoid a punch quite like the Gypsy King Tyson Fury.

It's got everything you want in a fight, two big names, high stakes, and a fascinating hook.

And it's possible that this dream fight isn't as unlikely as you'd think, with Fury rumoured to be interested in the fight.

It would be a case of UFC's Heavyweight champion against Boxing's Heavyweight champion, and unlike Floyd Mayweather v Conor McGregor, both men will be in their prime.

The UFC

Ngannou doesn't appear to be on excellent terms with the UFC at the moment.
"You can be free and fight for the UFC," Ngannou said.
"I just want to be free. We are supposedly independent contractors. [An] independent contractor is technically a free person. That's the reason why they need some adjustments in that contract. That's what I've been fighting for."
To be fair, Ngannou is right.
He deserves more freedom if he is being given the employment rights and pay of an independent contractor.
It's a scam that Dana White, the UFC and WWE have been getting away with for far too long, and it's time for a change.
But that doesn't mean Ngannou won't defend his heavyweight title again.
He just needs to be shown that the UFC knows his worth to the company.

Photo Credit: Getty Images