Eric Nicksick, coach of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, has revealed that his fighter is considering a return to the UFC. The trainer shared this surprising development during an interview with 'Home of Fight', suggesting that Ngannou's priorities have shifted from financial gain to competitive challenge.
"He's training, he looks happy to be back in the gym with the team," Nicksick explained. "He's been asking for that fight against Wilder, and if it happens, great, but right now the heavyweight division is in ruins. There's no clear direction, and that creates an opportunity."
Ngannou left the UFC in early 2023, shocking the combat sports world by signing with PFL and venturing into boxing. He proved his worth against Tyson Fury in a major crossover event while securing financial freedom.
Interestingly, money no longer seems to be Ngannou's primary motivation. "Where does his motivation come from now? It's no longer about the money. It's about competition. And the best competition is in the UFC," Nicksick stated.
The coach believes UFC President Dana White might be willing to resolve past differences with the Cameroonian fighter. "Dana is a smart businessman. I think he has enough sense to say: the past is past. Let's explore the future," he added.
The current heavyweight landscape certainly presents an opportunity. Tom Aspinall holds an interim belt for nearly 600 days while Jon Jones continues to delay their potential unification bout and might retire without facing the British fighter.
Could Ngannou's potential return breathe new life into the stagnant heavyweight division? His coach certainly thinks so.
