“I’m willing to get brutally beaten for cash” – Fedor Emelianenko calling out Francis Ngannou for boxing match has fans worrying for MMA legend

MMA legend, Fedor Emelianenko, expresses his interest in boxing heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou in his boxing debut.

“I’m willing to get brutally beaten for cash” – Fedor Emelianenko calling out Francis Ngannou for boxing match has fans worrying for MMA legend

Fedor Emelianenko displays interest in boxing Francis Ngannou (via Imago/Bleacher Report)

There have been many crossover bouts between MMA fighters and boxers in recent years. MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko also threw his hat in the mix. ‘The Last Emperor’ recently expressed interest in boxing Francis Ngannou. 

Emelianenko retired from MMA in 2023 after a decorated two-decade career. Francis Ngannou departed UFC after failed contract negotiations and is now pursuing professional boxing. Now Emelianenko aims to box Ngannou. This is what he said:

I can fight MMA guys too. I’d like to fight Francis Ngannou. I want to box him, I can’t do MMA anymore but I’d like to box him. Yes, I’d like to fight him. Maybe it’s not overconfidence but I would be interested in fighting him.

Fedor Emilianenko via Ushatayka_tm on Instagram
YouTube video

Emelianenko competed for various MMA promotions, winning numerous titles. He never boxed professionally before retirement. A potential fight against ‘The Predator‘ would be his boxing debut. Ngannou achieved UFC heavyweight championship success. He left UFC upon contract expiration to finally box and is also signed to the PFL.

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If Emelianenko boxes Ngannou, it would be a crossover attraction between MMA and boxing. Emelianenko claims he’s ready to battle more than just aging boxers. He wants to test himself against Ngannou in the ring. 

Ngannou faces Anthony Joshua in a huge heavyweight clash on March 8th. Emelianenko had been negotiating a boxing match with Mike Tyson. It was reportedly agreed upon besides financing. The status of this bout remains unknown.

Fight fans react to Fedor Emelianenko being interested in fighting Francis Ngannou

MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko expressed interest in boxing current heavyweight boxing contender Francis Ngannou. This prompted reactions from fans. They were split on the idea of a crossover boxing match between the retired MMA great and rising boxer.

Fight fans react to Fedor Emelianenko wanting to box Francis Ngannou
Fight fans react to Fedor Emelianenko wanting to box Francis Ngannou (via BJ Penn)

Some fans mocked the idea as Emelianenko seeking to take a beating against the younger, stronger Ngannou. Others called it a mismatch and said Ngannou would “flatline” the aged Emelianenko. However, some fans loved the concept of two legends from MMA and boxing competing. Here are some reactions from fight fans:

https://twitter.com/jflllllllllll/status/1759692003527311615?s=20
https://twitter.com/mmafunlove/status/1759809418177249790

Emelianenko proposing a boxing match against Ngannou split opinions. The chance of this fight materializing remains slim to none. However, combat sports have always remained unpredictable and fight fans might get to see this exciting bout.

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