Francis Ngannou’s transition from UFC heavyweight champion to a top-tier boxing contender has shocked many. While some doubted his ability to compete in the squared circle, he silenced critics by going the distance with Tyson Fury and nearly pulling off an upset.

Ngannou’s performance proved that his power and athleticism translate well to boxing, making him an attractive opponent for top heavyweight boxers like Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Deontay Wilder. However, unlike other crossovers, Ngannou has also maintained that he is still an MMA fighter at heart.

This is why his offer to fight Deontay Wilder in an MMA bout is so significant—Ngannou is essentially challenging Wilder to step outside of his comfort zone, just as he did when he transitioned into boxing.

Why Ngannou vs. Wilder in MMA Would Be a Spectacle

If the fight between Ngannou and Wilder happens inside a cage, it would be an unprecedented event in combat sports history. Boxing champions have crossed over into MMA before, but they have often struggled due to the massive differences in techniques and strategies.

Here’s why this fight would be special:

Two of the hardest punchers in combat sports—Both Ngannou and Wilder possess terrifying knockout power. Even with the added elements of kicks, takedowns, and ground fighting, fans would still be excited to see which fighter lands the first devastating punch.
Boxing vs. MMA rivalry intensified. Boxers and MMA fighters have long debated which discipline is superior. By forcing a boxer into an MMA fight, Ngannou is adding fuel to the fire of this never-ending argument.
A test of true warrior mentality—Ngannou took the risk of stepping into boxing despite having no previous experience. Now, he is testing whether Wilder is willing to show the same courage by fighting in MMA.

The question remains: Is Wilder willing to take the challenge?

Wilder’s Perspective: Should He Accept the Fight?

Deontay Wilder is known for his fearless fighting spirit and explosive power, but he has never competed outside of boxing. If he accepts Ngannou’s MMA challenge, it would be one of the riskiest moves of his career.

Wilder’s strengths are obvious:

Lightning-fast knockout power—With 42 knockouts in 43 wins, he is one of boxing’s most dangerous punchers.
Athleticism and movement—Unlike some heavyweight boxers, Wilder is light on his feet, which could help him avoid takedowns.

However, he would be at a severe disadvantage in several areas:

Zero experience in grappling—Ngannou could easily take him down and finish him with ground strikes or a submission.
Defensive weaknesses in MMA—Without proper training in checking leg kicks, avoiding clinch takedowns, and escaping submissions, Wilder would struggle in a full MMA fight.

If Wilder turns down the MMA fight, some may see it as a sign that he is not willing to leave his comfort zone. However, if he accepts and finds a way to knock Ngannou out under MMA rules, it would instantly become one of the greatest moments in combat sports history.

Why Ngannou Wants Wilder in an MMA Fight

Ngannou’s challenge is more than just about proving his dominance—he wants to turn the tables on boxers.

Ngannou fought Fury in a boxing match; now he wants a boxer to face him in MMA.
He believes Wilder’s power won’t be enough to survive in an MMA fight.
He wants to show that an MMA fighter has more weapons than a pure boxer.

Ngannou knows that in boxing, Wilder’s power is legendary, but in an MMA fight, the game changes completely.

How Wilder Would Struggle in an MMA Fight

If Deontay Wilder steps into the cage, he will have to deal with several major disadvantages:

Kicks: Unlike in boxing, Ngannou can use devastating leg kicks to weaken Wilder’s base.
Takedowns: Ngannou, with his wrestling experience, can easily take Wilder to the ground.
Clinch Fighting: Ngannou can use his strength in the clinch to control Wilder, making it difficult for him to land his big punches.
Ground Game: If Wilder gets taken down, he will have no idea how to defend against submissions or ground-and-pound.

Wilder’s best (and only) chance would be to land a knockout punch before Ngannou takes him down. But against a seasoned MMA fighter, that’s easier said than done.

What If the Fight Happens in Boxing?

If the fight were to happen in boxing instead, it would be a completely different story.

Wilder’s speed and knockout power could pose a serious threat to Ngannou.
Ngannou has shown great improvements in boxing, but would he be able to keep up with a boxer as dangerous as Wilder?
A boxing match would be Wilder’s best chance to defeat Ngannou, while an MMA fight would be Ngannou’s best chance to dominate Wilder.

The question remains—will Wilder take the MMA challenge, or will he insist on a boxing match instead?

Potential Fight Scenarios: How Would It Play Out?

If this fight takes place under MMA rules, Ngannou would have multiple paths to victory:

Early takedown and finish—Ngannou could immediately shoot for a takedown and end the fight in less than a minute.
Leg kicks to slow Wilder down—Wilder is not used to checking kicks, so Ngannou could chop his legs down before going for the knockout.
Using the clinch to wear Wilder out—MMA allows dirty boxing and clinch control, areas where Ngannou has an advantage.

Wilder’s best chance would be to stay on his feet and land a knockout punch before Ngannou closes the distance. If he manages to do this, he could shock the world by knocking out an elite MMA fighter in his own sport.

A Superfight That Could Change Combat Sports

If Ngannou vs. Wilder happens in either boxing or MMA, it would be one of the biggest crossover fights in combat sports history.

Boxing fans would tune in to see how a boxer fares in MMA.
MMA fans would want to see Ngannou dominate a boxer in the cage.
The financial stakes would be massive, drawing attention from casual viewers worldwide.

With Ngannou’s growing influence and Wilder’s need for a big fight, this showdown seems inevitable. Now it’s just a matter of whether Wilder is willing to step into Ngannou’s world.

Final Thoughts: Is Wilder Brave Enough to Accept?

Francis Ngannou has already proved his toughness by stepping into a boxing ring and nearly shocking the world. Now, he is daring Deontay Wilder to show the same courage by fighting in MMA.

Will Wilder take the challenge, or will he choose to stay in his comfort zone? Either way, fans are eagerly waiting to see if this explosive matchup becomes a reality.

Conclusion: Will This Fight Actually Happen?

Francis Ngannou’s offer to fight Deontay Wilder in MMA is more than just a callout—it’s a challenge to Wilder’s warrior spirit. The fight world is waiting to see if Wilder accepts the risk and dares to step into the cage. If this fight happens, it could become a legendary moment in combat sports, proving once and for all whether a pure boxer can survive in an MMA environment.