Francis Ngannou, a skillful and experienced former UFC heavyweight champion, is being pursued by multiple promotions as a free agent. Among those interested is the CEO of ONE Championship, Chatri Sityodtong. Sityodtong confirmed that they have been in talks for some time now and are planning a meeting to discuss possible collaboration in the future.

The main issue Ngannou had with the UFC was the lack of control over his contract, which limited his ability to explore options outside of MMA, such as boxing matches against big names like Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, or Anthony Joshua. ONE Championship could offer him the opportunities that he seeks, given that it features various combat sports such as MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and grappling competitions.

Sityodtong believes that Ngannou could struggle against many of ONE’s top heavyweights, both champions and prospects, but he sees him as a giant monster with an ‘X’ factor. He believes that if Ngannou wants a challenge, ONE is the best place to find it, as he would not face the same level of talent in other organizations such as Bellator or the PFL. The CEO acknowledges that it is up to Ngannou to decide his future, but he likes him as a fighter and thinks he brings a lot to the table.