Fedor Emelianenko has clarified his comments about a potential boxing match with Francis Ngannou, insisting that he was merely thinking out loud rather than suggesting that negotiations were underway.
Emelianenko appeared for a conversation with Ushatayka, where he talked about his interest in boxing and the possibility of facing the former UFC heavyweight champion.
The Russian MMA legend explained that his original comments came while discussing dream opponents with younger people, and the media had made more of the idea than he intended.
“If I’m being downright dreamy, it’s a dream, I’d be interested in competing against Ngannou,” Emelianenko said. He acknowledged that his injury history would make the matchup difficult under boxing rules before adding, “But that’s just me thinking out loud.”
He was equally clear that he had not pursued the match, stating: “I didn’t say I was negotiating or anything like that.”
Despite the lack of any concrete plans, Emelianenko explained why Ngannou would interest him as an opponent. He pointed to the Cameroonian’s size, strength, speed, and achievements, including his transition to professional boxing after leaving the UFC as heavyweight champion.
“He’s big, strong, and fast. He left as a champion and he shone in boxing,” Emelianenko said.
When asked whether he genuinely believed he could compete with a boxer roughly a decade younger, Emelianenko appeared confident in his ability to make the fight competitive.
“Yes. That’s right,” he replied, adding, “And I think I can get closer. I see it, I know it.”
Emelianenko also discussed the technical aspects of Ngannou’s boxing, suggesting that there could be openings to exploit. He acknowledged the former UFC champion’s quick hands and good sense of distance but suggested that some of his work could become predictable.
“He has a good sense of distance,” Emelianenko noted, while describing Ngannou’s approach as “a kind of monotonous work that can be calculated.”
For Emelianenko, footwork remains one of the most important fundamentals in the sport. “The most important thing for a boxer is the legs,” he explained.
He was also asked whether his own hand speed had diminished with age. Emelianenko seemed unconvinced that it had become a major weakness, responding, “I think not yet,” before adding, “my hand speed is still preserved.”
However, Ngannou is not necessarily the only opponent Emelianenko would consider for a boxing appearance. The former PRIDE heavyweight champion said he would prefer to face established boxers, ideally well-known international names who could generate interest among fans.
“I would like to compete against boxers, with good ones,” he said, making it clear that he would rather not face fellow Russian stars.
Emelianenko suggested that an opponent aged somewhere between 30 and 40 or older could be an option, depending on the circumstances. “Everyone will be interested when two famous people compete,” he said.
Of course, a match of that magnitude would also depend on the financial side of the equation. Emelianenko acknowledged that securing a suitable opponent would not be enough; there would also need to be a promoter willing to fund the event.
As he put it, it comes down to “finding someone who can pay a lot for this.”
For now, Emelianenko insists that he is not actively campaigning for a boxing match or approaching potential opponents. Instead, he is content to continue training and see what opportunities arise.
“I don’t run around offering my services, I don’t ask for a match,” he said. “I just work, live, and do my job.”
Still, the Russian legend has not ruled out the possibility of stepping into the ring again. Despite his age and acknowledged injury concerns, he believes there is still something left in the tank.
“I still feel like I have some strength,” Emelianenko said.
