Francis Ngannou might be plotting a return to the UFC, according to his coach Eric Nicksick. The former heavyweight champion who departed the promotion in early 2023 is reportedly reconsidering his stance on competing in the world's premier MMA organization.
"He's training, looks happy to be back in the gym with the team," Nicksick revealed in an interview with 'Home of Fight'. "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 shocked the combat sports world last year when he left the UFC to sign with PFL and pursue boxing opportunities. He famously tested his skills against Tyson Fury in a crossover event that demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level in another sport while securing his financial freedom.
Interestingly, Nicksick explained that Ngannou's priorities have shifted substantially since his departure. The Cameroonian fighter is no longer driven primarily by financial considerations.
"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 current heavyweight landscape appears particularly favorable for a Ngannou comeback. With Jon Jones seemingly semi-retired and Tom Aspinall holding an interim belt for nearly 600 days, the division lacks clear direction. Aspinall continues to push for his long-awaited title unification bout, but Jones keeps delaying and might even retire without facing the British fighter.
Nicksick believes Dana White would be open to resolving past differences with Ngannou. "Dana is a smart businessman. I think he has enough sense to say: the past is the past. Let's explore the future. Look at the heavyweight division right now: what are we doing? Tom Aspinall has been holding an interim belt for almost 600 days. It's time to get things moving," the coach concluded.
Could Ngannou's potential return be exactly what the heavyweight division needs to regain its momentum? Fight fans certainly hope so.
