Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion turned PFL star, is gearing up for his next significant fight after his departure from the UFC and a successful boxing stint. As the anticipation around his return builds, fans and analysts alike speculate whether his next opponent will be Jon Jones or Oleksandr Usyk, raising questions about the biggest upcoming heavyweight showdown. Ngannou’s renewed training under coach Eric Nicksick signals his commitment to whatever challenge lies ahead.
Ngannou’s Comeback Motivation After Personal Challenges
Francis Ngannou has demonstrated resilience and determination following both personal and professional hurdles. Despite parting ways with UFC president Dana White and transitioning into boxing, he succeeded against notable heavyweight legends and reportedly earned more than during his UFC tenure. More recently, Ngannou embarked on his PFL career with a strong start, and now, under the guidance of Eric Nicksick, he has re-entered training camp with focused intensity.
Earlier this year, Ngannou faced the tragic loss of his 15-month-old son Kobe, an event that significantly affected him. Nevertheless, ‘The Predator’ has publicly expressed his dedication to overcoming hardship and preparing for future fights, as seen in his social media posts highlighting his workout regimen and mindset.
Life can slow us down and push us off track from time to time, trying to stop us from climbing. But never forget that your dedication, determination, and discipline are your first allies and will never let you down,
Francis Ngannou wrote on Instagram.
I’m back in the gym and feel more motivated than ever before. Getting ready for whatever is to come.
Eric Nicksick’s Role and Past Coaching Challenges
Ngannou’s return to serious training comes with the support of Eric Nicksick, the head coach at Xtreme Couture, known for his strategic mindset and ability to prepare fighters at the highest level. Despite occasional challenges in managing some of the sport’s most difficult fighters, Nicksick has built a strong reputation, especially through his work with Ngannou. While Nicksick faced public friction with former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland following UFC 312—where Strickland’s performance was criticized and he subsequently cut ties with the coach—Ngannou and Nicksick maintain a productive partnership.
Watching Eric Nicksick give good advice to a team of the least coachable fighters ever assembled, every single week.
—Jack Slack, MMA enthusiast
The Debate Over Ngannou’s Potential Opponents: Jon Jones or Oleksandr Usyk?
Since Ngannou left the UFC, speculation about his next big fight has erupted across the MMA and boxing communities, centering predominantly on Jon Jones and Oleksandr Usyk. For years, the fantasy matchup between Ngannou and Jones ignited passionate debates about who truly deserved the mantle of heavyweight supremacy. Now, with Ngannou experimenting beyond MMA, fans eagerly anticipate a showdown that could still reshuffle the hierarchy.
Jones remains interested in a bout with Ngannou, and this sentiment resonates strongly with fans. Supporters have rallied behind the prospect of this fight for its potential to be a landmark heavyweight contest.
You can beat [Jon Jones] from Monday to monday,
Make the fight with Jones,
I can take him. Go beat up jones for all of us, champ,
Meanwhile, a vocal subset of fans hopes Ngannou will continue engaging with UFC athletes, particularly suggesting Tom Aspinall as a stepping stone. Some have linked these future bouts to the UFC’s historic scheduled event at the White House, suggesting high-profile clashes in that setting. However, opinions vary, with others opposing Aspinall’s involvement and pushing directly for a Ngannou-Jones fight.
Sign a deal fight aspinall december / early 2026 winner fights jones at the white house,
—Fan comment
Go fight Jones at the white house.
—Fan comment
Boxing Influence and the Usyk Proposition
Aside from MMA speculation, many fans admire Ngannou’s impact as a boxer and see Oleksandr Usyk, the recent conqueror of Daniel Dubois, as a worthy challenger. The idea of Ngannou returning to boxing for a marquee fight with Usyk excites those who have witnessed his boxing skills develop. Ngannou’s stature allows him the unique ability to pursue fights across disciplines, increasing the scope for extraordinary matchups.
Ngannou himself has voiced interest beyond MMA and boxing, even mentioning a potential fight against GLORY kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, broadening possibilities for his career trajectory.
Jones, Verhoven or Wilder? Or all three? Can’t wait for the announcement,
—Fan comment
What Ngannou’s Next Move Could Mean for Heavyweight Combat Sports
Francis Ngannou’s next fight carries significant weight as it could define the future landscape of heavyweight combat sports. A fight against Jon Jones would pit two of the most dominant MMA fighters of their generation against each other, while a collision with Oleksandr Usyk would immerse Ngannou fully into the elite boxing world. Alternatively, exploring bouts with fighters like Rico Verhoeven or others would demonstrate Ngannou’s versatility and broaden his appeal beyond traditional boundaries.
While Ngannou has not confirmed the nature or opponent for his next contest, the mounting hype suggests events worth following closely. His partnership with Eric Nicksick and his visible commitment to rigorous preparation promise that whatever follows will carry the intensity and high stakes fans expect from ‘The Predator.’
As anticipation builds, supporters and critics alike await official news on Ngannou’s next step, eager to see which heavyweight confrontation will emerge as the definitive clash to shake the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. He tested positive for Turinabol, which is a type of anabolic steroid. This led to him being temporarily suspended. On September 13, USADA confirmed that both his “A” and “B” samples showed Turinabol, too.
Q. What was Jon Jones tested positive for?
A. During the hearing, it was shown that Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These are found in Tadalafil, which Jones admitted to using for erectile dysfunction.