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Francis Ngannou discusses potential fight with Rico Verhoeven

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 1:37 PM

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

Francis Ngannou discusses potential fight with Rico Verhoeven
Summary

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.

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Key Details
  • •Ngannou is interested in fighting Verhoeven under any ruleset.
  • •Verhoeven recently fought Oleksandr Usyk in a boxing match.
  • •Ngannou knocked out Philipe Lins in a recent MMA return.
  • •No contract is currently in place for the Ngannou-Verhoeven fight.
Latest Updates
  • 1:37 PMYahoo Sports — Francis Ngannou Says Rico Verhoeven Fight Is “Very Compelling” After Talks Fell Through Once Before
What they're saying
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Francis Ngannou already has a name in mind for his next combat-sports move. The former UFC heavyweight champion told TMZ Sports that a fight with ... Read More

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