The appearance of Deontay Wilder at a PFL event was a surprise to Francis Ngannou, but the MMA fighter was pleased that the former boxing champion showed up. At PFL 4, which took place last Thursday, Wilder made an offer to Ngannou regarding a two-fight exchange.

Confirming that he had already discussed the possibility of the fight with the “Brown Bomber” earlier this year, Ngannou elaborated in an interview with The Schmo, stating that they were serious about the two-fight deal, but that they would hold off to let Wilder finish his business in December before proceeding.

Wilder is also potentially looking to fight fellow ex-champ Anthony Joshua at the end of the year, making a fight with Ngannou in 2024 more viable, when Ngannou starts his PFL run.

When Wilder appeared on the promotion’s broadcast, he was seen wearing a pair of PFL gloves and acknowledged the implications of exchanging blows while wearing four-ounce gloves typical of MMA fights.

In contrast, Tyson Fury, who has been in a social media sparring match with Jon Jones, Ngannou and UFC President Dana White, was less willing to try his skills in an MMA glove despite his initial jab at UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

Ngannou dismissed a potential hybrid boxing/MMA fight with Fury, stating that Fury would not be interested in fighting in that format, while also indicating that he would be open to such a fight since martial arts is his comfort zone. Ngannou also expressed skepticism towards White’s ability to convince Fury to take up MMA fighting and engage in a fight with Jones.

Regarding his own future, Ngannou remains committed only to MMA and will fight in PFL early next year, but he aims to fight inside the cage on 2024. Despite possibilities and potential opponents up in the air, Ngannou remains in high spirits, confident that he will continue to succeed in the world of professional fighting.