"4-ounce gloves with bare-knuckle rules" - Sean Strickland's suggestion for potential Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury fight

Sean Strickland chimed in with his thoughts on a potential crossover matchup between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury.

Strickland is of the opinion that Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, would beat Ngannou, the UFC heavyweight champion, in a straightforward boxing match. However, the middleweight contender believes Ngannou would definitely win in a no-holds-barred street fight.

With that in mind, Strickland proposed a "middle ground" format for a potential clash between the combat sports titans. The 30-year-old suggested that a Fury-Ngannou matchup should be contested under bare-knuckle boxing rules.

He tweeted:

"Tyson Fury beats [Francis] in a boxing match without a doubt. [Francis] kills Tyson in a fight. Literally takes his life..... They should do 4 ounce gloves with bare knucke rules. That's the middle ground..."

Unlike traditional boxing, fighting under bare-knuckle rules would allow Ngannou to close the distance against Fury. Bare-knuckle fights start with competitors only three feet apart. Additionally, bare-knuckle boxing contests take place inside a smaller ring.

Currently, Bare Knuckle FC (BKFC) is the leading combat sports promotion for bare-knuckle fights. However, the sport of bare-knuckle boxing has predated its gloved counterpart. BKFC implements many of the rules and regulations which were dictated by the sport in its original 19th century format.

---

Tyson Fury congratulates Francis Ngannou

Tyson Fury sent his regards to Francis Ngannou, who defended his UFC heavyweight title in a high-stakes main event clash against Ciryl Gane last Saturday.

Fury took to social media to congratulate Ngannou and reignite the conversation surrounding their rivalry. On Twitter, 'The Gypsy King' wrote:

"Congratulations [Francis Ngannou] but if you want to make some real money come see the ‘GK’ [Gypsy King]."

Ngannou, of course, has been entangled in a contract dispute with the UFC. The Cameroonian superstar has threatened to leave the company unless he's offered a contract that would allow him to pursue endeavors outside the octagon.

MMA Fighting reported that Ngannou was paid a base purse of $600,000 for his first title defense at UFC 270. The figures reportedly do not include pay-per-view shares, sponsorship earnings or any other bonuses that Ngannou may have incurred.