Emelianenko described the bout as a dream fight, explaining that injuries prevent him from considering a return to MMA. The Russian veteran is left to face his ex
Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion in the boxing ring.
Fedor Emelianenko says injuries rule out MMA return, but leaves door open for Francis Ngannou to box
Emelianenko (40-7, 1 NC) is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA. The dominant champion
pride In the 2000s, The Last Emperor retired after its finale Bellator
will be released in 2023. The 50-year-old said his interest in facing Ngannou is strictly hypothetical.
“If we’re talking about a literal dream, I’d be interested in fighting Francis Ngannou under boxing rules,” Emelianenko told Ushatayka. “I couldn’t do MMA right now because I’ve got too many injuries, but in boxing I’d like to go after him. I’m just thinking it out loud. I never said we were in negotiations.”
Ngannou (19-3) left the UFC in 2023 after contract negotiations broke down. He then signed
Professional Fighters Leaguemade his only appearance for the promotion in 2024. Before this match, the Cameroonian lost to boxing matches Tyson Fury
and Anthony Joshua.
Ngannou last competed at
The most valuable offers‘ MMA opening event in May, knockout Philip Lins in the first round.
