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Credits – Imago
Crossover fights in boxing and MMA are not new. In the latest instance of boxing and MMA coming together, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has been in the news for his desire to go one-on-one against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Wilder wants to sign a potential two-fight deal to fight ‘The Predator’ in the boxing ring as well as in the Octagon. Ngannou has also expressed his inclination to get into the boxing ring.
It is interesting to note that while both champions have not been in the ring in a while, their potential matchup has generated a lot of hype and got people talking. Now, one such wild claim has surfaced from a former player and UFC legend that is sure to get even more people talking about a matchup.
Something unexpected about the Deontay Wilder-Francis Ngannou matchup
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UFC legend Chael Sonnen revealed his take on the Ngannou-Wilder matchup on his YouTube channel. According to him, the concept behind this matchup is based on an unoriginal idea. “They (Deontay and Ngannou) heard an idea by Jake Paul that they liked, and they stole that idea. There is nothing new about that.”
Sonnen further goes on to say, “I am reminding you of this because Deontay’s idea didn’t go anywhere. Jake Paul is scheduled to fight Nate Diaz.”
Sonnen was referring to the much-anticipated fight between professional boxer, YouTube sensation Jake Paul and former UFC star Nate Diaz. The fight is scheduled to take place on August 5.
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It is no secret that Deontay Wilder has been eager to take a shot at Francis Ngannou in both boxing and MMA. Sometime earlier, speaking to SunSport, the former WBC heavyweight world champion said, “I would love it. I would love it very much, just to show the competitive side. If he crosses over and comes where I am, I can come over and cross over to where he is”.
Something for the fans to relish
If the fight between the ‘Bronze Bomber’ and ‘The Predator’ does materialize, we won’t be seeing such a crossover fight for the first time. MMA and boxing have met before in what was touted as one of the biggest events in combat sports history. This was when former heavyweight boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. and UFC Lightweight champion at the time Conor McGregor took place.
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Gossip, or is there an ounce of truth to what Chael Sonnen has to say? Only time will tell if we get to see a matchup between these two sporting titans. One thing we are sure of is that fans will relish every bit of this matchup. What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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