Bellator CEO Provides a Bleak Update on Francis Ngannou’s Prospects With the Promotion

Francis Ngannou left the UFC to be able to pursue other ventures like boxing, while also engaging in MMA fights. He will be making his debut in boxing later, in 2023. But Ngannou never ruled out the possibility of a comeback to MMA. However, that comeback currently seems impossible.

‘The Predator’ was offered the biggest contract in the history of the UFC. However, he didn’t go through with it since he wanted to have more freedom to select his ventures and opportunities outside of the promotion. That opened the door for other promotions, like Bellator MMA.

CEO Scott Coker has been vocal about engaging in talks with Ngannou, claiming to have an attractive proposition for the French-Cameroonian fighter. He earlier mentioned that he and the President of Showtime Sports, Stephen Espinoza, have been in talks with ‘The Predator’ for some time now. Coker has provided further updates on the Ngannou situation.

Scott Coker unsure about the MMA future of Francis Ngannou

Coker is a proud promoter who claims to have the best MMA fighters in the world. However, he never passes the opportunity to improve his roster. Hence, he hopped on the bandwagon to sight the popular heavyweight fighter, Francis Ngannou. But it does not seem like both parties have struck a deal just yet. Coker said, “My guys have been talking to Francis [Ngannou], I know they’ve met, I know Stephen met with him on the boxing side.”

He reiterated the fact that Ngannou has been in talks with both the MMA parties and the boxing parties. Coker believes that because of his interest in both sports, ‘The Predator’ could be ideal for Bellator, but there is no development on that front. He said, “I have always said that I think we would be a perfect fit for him because he could do boxing, he could do MMA, but I don’t think there’s anything close to a deal.”

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However, Coker claims that anything can happen in the future and that currently, they are focussing more on Ngannou’s boxing venture. “Anything can happen but I’m not sure we’re going to be in that business on the MMA side, maybe for boxing side, it might work out …it has to be equitable for everybody ...I would say it’s 50-50 this one.”

Francis Ngannou is in talks with former boxing world champion Deontay Wilder‘s representatives for a potential 2-fight match deal. However, there have been no confirmations yet.

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