BKFC are interested in signing Francis Ngannou to their heavyweight division. The former UFC heavyweight champion has recently been released from his UFC contract. As expected, all the big fighting organizations are after him, which includes the bare-knuckle fighting promotion.
The company posted the following tweet:
“📞 @francis_ngannou”
Its president, David Feldman, told MMA mania:
“We’re very interested in signing Francis Ngannou and would very much like to have him compete in the stacked BKFC heavyweight division,”
“We’re tabling an offer for his services, and hopefully fans will see him in the BKFC squared circle in 2023.”
The 36-year-old Cameroonian is known for his extraordinary punching power, so he’d fit right into the BKFC. The promotion is also known for doing one-off events, inviting competitors from other promotions for a match or two under their rules.
Other companies who have shown interest in signing Ngannou include UFC rivals such as the PFL and Bellator.
However, Ngannou has not commented on where he wants to be after his release.
There’s a fair chance that could be interested in having a high-profile boxing match. The “Predator” has already talked about boxing the heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. But due to the “Gypsy King” already having other plans, it could take a while.
Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick told MMA hour about his conversation with him.
“So, I said, ‘What’s next?’ And he just said, ‘You know, bubba, I got something up my sleeve.’ And that’s all. I just giggled. I was like, ‘Alright, man.’ So, I believe in him, man. I think he’s got something in the works.”
The UFC, who’s contract offers have been snubbed by Ngannou, have began the damage control process. They’ve now put heavyweight contender Cyril Gane against the returning Jon Jones for the vacant 225-pound title.
Regarding Ngannou’s exit, UFC president Dana White said that he was going to make him the “highest-paid heavyweight in the history of the company,”.
White also felt like the former champ didn’t have the same hunger anymore. He believes that Ngannou “didn’t want to take a risk” fighting Jon Jones.
“He feels like he can fight lesser opponents and make more money.” Dana told the media.