Francis Ngannou responds to Tyson Fury's call-out involving special rules matchup

Francis Ngannou's shock exit from the UFC has opened up options galore for the former heavyweight champion. WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury has expressed his interest in fighting the dangerous heavyweight.

'The Predator' responded to the callout in an interview with Canal+ Sport Afrique and mentioned his and Fury's long-standing interest in fighting each other:

"Tyson Fury and I have been warming up on social media for over two years. Obviously, we all need this fight. It's been long enough. Today we have the opportunity to dot the 'i's." [translation via Google]

Tyson Fury previously called out Ngannou and outlined the terms of the unconventional bout that would be held in a cage and governed by boxing rules. In an interview with Radio Rahim, 'The Gypsy King' said:

"Francis Ngannou, I know you're out of contract with the UFC. Wanna earn some big boy money? Come see the Gypsy King and let's do a big, big fight for the baddest MF on the planet. And let's kick it up spicy, in a cage, four-ounce gloves, under Queensbury [boxing rules], and let's have a badass referee like Iron Mike Tyson. Ooh, did I just sell that to the world?"

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Francis Ngannou rubbishes claim that he left the UFC because he was scared of fighting Jon Jones

Francis Ngannou's exit from the UFC coincided with the return of legendary fighter Jon Jones' heavyweight debut. The former light heavyweight champion has been out of action for over two years and has continually stated his intention to move up and challenge for the title.

Dana White implied in a press conference that the Cameroonian champion vacated his championship and left the promotion to avoid a fight with 'Bones', in search of more lucrative opportunities.

In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Ngannou made sure to dismiss these claims:

"They have also said that I am scared of fighting Jon Jones or somebody else, which I don't know where they came from with that one. That sounds very ridiculous, in my opinion, with all due respect. Because I have been calling for this fight for two years. I've been waiting for this fight forever. And I have been fighting guys with one knee, with injury. And now, why do I be scared of them? Well, I feel even more confident. No, I'm not scared."

Check out Francis Ngannou's comments below:

Jon Jones will take on Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight championship at UFC 285 while Francis Ngannou explores his options outside the octagon.