Tom Aspinall has indicated that he might need to switch sports to ultimately face Francis Ngannou. When Ngannou first appeared in the UFC, a heavyweight clash with Aspinall wasn’t possible as the Brit was still climbing the ranks. Now, with both fighters as champions in their division, fans are eager to see these two powerful strikers go head-to-head.
Currently, Ngannou is not high on UFC president Dana White’s list for a return, and it’s highly unlikely Aspinall will join the PFL, Ngannou’s current promotion. This means they may need to complete their contracts before potentially meeting in a boxing ring.
In a recent YouTube video, Aspinall spoke with his former training partner Tommy Fury about a potential big fight. Though Aspinall recognizes that at age 33 it’s unrealistic for him to chase major boxing titles, he is open to a lucrative boxing match, especially if it involves fighting other MMA stars transitioning to boxing. He stated, “You have to dedicate your entire life to become a world champion, and I’ve spent my entire life in MMA… I don’t expect to win a world boxing title now.”
Aspinall expressed interest in boxing against MMA fighters rather than traditional boxers, suggesting such bouts could still be meaningful rather than mere spectacles. When Fury suggested a match between Aspinall and Ngannou, Aspinall was receptive but noted he still has UFC fights to complete first.
Ngannou, who is contracted with the PFL, negotiated terms allowing him to participate in high-profile boxing bouts. He has already earned millions from heavyweight title fights against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
Fan Take: This potential crossover fight between Aspinall and Ngannou highlights a growing trend where MMA stars seek high-profile boxing bouts, blending audiences and expanding the combat sports landscape. For fans, it promises an exciting clash of heavyweight powerhouses and could redefine career paths for fighters in both sports.
