Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is not prioritizing a return to mixed martial arts for now, his coach Eric Nicksick told MMA Junkie.
Eric Nicksick for MMA Junkie Radio
We talk regularly, but we just talk as buddies. I know the Wilder rumor has been kicking around. I haven't heard much more about the MMA side at all, to be honest with you. Of course [I would like him to return to MMA]. It's tough because we spent so much time together training and building that MMA skillset that he has. It sucks because I felt we were growing so much and doing so many things, and all of a sudden you feel like you got the rug pulled out from under you.
Ngannou’s last MMA bout was against Renan Ferreira in October 2024 under the PFL banner. Francis won that fight by first-round knockout. His MMA record is 18 wins and three losses.
Ngannou last fought in the ring in March 2024 in Riyadh against Anthony Joshua. That bout ended in a second-round knockout loss for Ngannou.
