Francis Ngannou discusses potential fight with Rico Verhoeven

Francis Ngannou expressed interest in a fight with Rico Verhoeven, calling it 'very compelling' during an interview with TMZ Sports. Ngannou, recently returning to MMA with a first-round knockout of Philipe Lins, indicated that discussions had previously taken place before Verhoeven opted to box Oleksandr Usyk instead. The matchup remains unconfirmed, as Ngannou stated no deal has been finalized. He remains open to the fight occurring in either boxing or MMA. Both fighters are coming off significant bouts, with Verhoeven engaging Usyk in a competitive fight that ended in a stoppage in the 11th round.

• 1:37 PMYahoo Sports — Francis Ngannou Says Rico Verhoeven Fight Is “Very Compelling” After Talks Fell Through Once Before