This past Saturday, Francis Ngannou, the former heavyweight champion of the UFC, came dangerously close to unseating WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury inside the boxing ring. Ngannou was on the receiving end of one of the biggest upsets in sports history, if not the largest, as he scored a knockdown and lost by split decision.

Ngannou’s triumph occurred when almost all analysts said he had little chance of beating the finest heavyweight boxer of the current period. In actuality, Ngannou triumphed despite his setback, and his reputation has never been more valuable.

The crucial query is: What will happen to Ngannou next? After a sour split with the UFC, in which he retained their heavyweight title, he signed with PFL to compete in mixed martial arts (MMA). He stated that he is prepared to pursue his boxing career.

Let’s examine some of the most popular choices for Ngannou’s upcoming fight, regardless of their viability.

Tyson Fury

Why this opponent? Rematch talk is always rampant in the immediate aftermath of any fight that results in an unexpected outcome or even slight controversy. In the event of a rematch, many questions remain unanswered. Will Ngannou improve with additional experience and instruction? Was the first fight just Fury’s lack of interest in Ngannou? And onwards.

Ngannou put Fury on the mat, and although he lost a close split decision, he won one of the three official scorecards. Fury may not have taken Ngannou’s training seriously and may not have been ready for what he would bring to the ring, but the outcome was one of the most amazing in boxing history. Ngannou undoubtedly desires another chance, and a man with Fury’s level of ego would undoubtedly want to prove he’s better than the guy who almost caused what is possibly the greatest upset in professional sports history.

Why it might not happen: The focus of Fury’s attention will either be on his upcoming bout against Oleksandr Usyk, which would establish him as the first heavyweight champion without a belt, or it will shift to another “retirement.” Before the fight with Ngannou, Fury was eager to discuss how Usyk would be in violation of their agreed contract if he didn’t fight him on December 23. Naturally, that was absurd because the fight’s date was still unknown, but Fury enjoys giving the impression that he is in charge of everything.

Fury’s next encounter is against Usyk, which makes a rematch with Ngannou appear improbable. Unless, of course, Ngannou sits out that bout and keeps training in order to get the rematch. so’s a possibility, but it would be a mistake to waste so much time at 37 years old when his name is currently very popular.

Jon Jones

Why this opponent? In mixed martial arts, there isn’t a matchup more significant than Jon Jones versus Francis Ngannou. In light of Jones’ injury, UFC president Dana White recently stated, “To be the man, you have to beat the man,” in reference to the interim UFC heavyweight title match. Well, when Jones defeated Ciryl Gane, he didn’t defeat “the man”. Before leaving the UFC to take charge of his own fate, he defeated the opponent that Ngannou had defeated.

Despite the speculation that Ngannou’s departure from the UFC was due to him “fumbling the bag,” the Fury match demonstrated that the UFC was the one making the mistakes. As has been stated numerous times since Saturday night, Ngannou ought to have been a cinch to select as the promotion’s face. He boasts the most fan-friendly in-cage approach of any fighter in UFC history, along with an incredible biography and charming demeanour. Jones, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. While acknowledging his hard work, Jones has always returned to the UFC fold, where White, with the promotion’s blessing, will proclaim to the world that Jones is the greatest fighter of all time.

In the end, Jones vs. Ngannou is a bout that will define both men’s careers and provide an opportunity for all those who supported Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC to establish their legitimacy. Better than that, what is it?

Why it might not happen: Not much is mysterious about this. Neither will White or the UFC give in to being shown to be incorrect, nor give PFL a chance to gain more recognition. That’s not how the UFC does business. By letting Ngannou depart and not giving him a piece of the Fury bout, the promotion has blew it.

For White and company, the possibility of Ngannou sleeping with Jones and not being under UFC supervision is just too great. It is better to emphasise that Ngannou left the bout, even though Jones sat out the entire three years and switched to heavyweight only after Ngannou had already left.

Deontay Wilder

Why this opponent? 

Though it has been floated for a few years, is the bout between Wilder and Anthony Joshua truly more interesting than Wilder vs. Ngannou? The two strongest punchers alive are probably going to square off in this possible match. Though none of them have triumphed over the WBC champion, both men have sent Fury to the canvas. Not only is this fight possibly the simplest fight on Earth to promote, but the winner—even if it’s Ngannou, who has a 1-1 boxing record—is automatically considered for a title chance.

It’s absolutely possible to make matchmaking as easy as saying, “These two big lads hit really hard. Let’s see who wins.” This is among those instances.

Why it might not happen: 

Talks are already under progress, according to statements made by both parties. The fact that Ngannou stated they’ve been talking about a “mixed-rules fight” with Wilder—who has lately experimented with mixed martial arts training—makes things a little trickier. Malik Scott, Wilder’s trainer, has also revealed that negotiations are in progress, although it sounded like he was only talking about boxing.

One of the most rational battles possible for both guys might be ruined if the rulebook cannot be agreed upon, or if Ngannou just wants to enter the PFL cage next.

The winner of Renan Ferreira vs. Denis Goltsov

Why this opponent? On November 24, Ferreira and Goltsov square off for the 2023 PFL heavyweight title. Ngannou promoted the concept of treating fighters fairly when he signed with PFL. What could be more just than the winner of the 2023 season receiving a huge opportunity and salary to compete against Ngannou?

Goltsov defeated three opponents in the opening round of the tournament to go to the finals. After failing a drug test, Ferreira’s first fight of the season ended in a no-contest. After that, Ferreira stopped two opponents in the first round to secure a spot in the title match against Goltsov.

Why it might not happen: From a competitive perspective, there are many reasons to make this fight for PFL, but it seems wrong for Ngannou to accept it. Right now, Ngannou’s reputation is more valuable than ever, and that should be used to fuel the greatest battle imaginable. Simply put, Ngannou vs. Ferreira or Goltsov isn’t very valuable in terms of grabbing attention or influencing ticket sales and PPV purchases.

Anthony Joshua

Why this opponent? Joshua is the other well-known boxer in the heavyweight class. Joshua, a former two-time unified champion, still possesses the name recognition and skill to make this a lucrative match. For his side, defeating Joshua would propel Ngannou up the ranks and establish him as a legitimate title contender.

Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promoter, was willing to put the bout on if he couldn’t force Joshua and Fury into a fight first.

“Now I’m looking at it and I’m thinking, ‘Francis Ngannou against Anthony Joshua, perhaps in Africa, perhaps the Rumble in the Jungle 2, is one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport,'” Hearn stated while appearing on The MMA Hour.

Why it might not happen: Like with Wilder, it’s a good choice for all parties. But getting beyond the several obstacles to winning a fight might be challenging at times. Hearn is right, though, in that Joshua vs. Ngannou would be a good way to prepare the victor for Usyk vs. Fury. The only factors preventing Ngannou from facing either Joshua or Wilder are those related to business and the parties’ ability to make the necessary financial arrangements.

Of course, there are additional choices that might merely make more sense given Ngannou’s level of experience. Though not as appealing than the other boxers already mentioned, Andy Ruiz Jr., a former unified champion who may pose less of a risk than Wilder or Joshua, could be a viable choice.