Where will Francis Ngannou fight next? Bellator boss expresses interest

Francis Ngannou's next fight has been a hot topic among MMA fans and even boxing fans since the former UFC heavyweight champion departed the promotion after declining their contract offer.

Since then, there have been many potential suitors for 'The Predator', including BKFC, PFL, and Bellator, who have the ability to offer a boxing deal through Showtime. Bellator president Scott Coker has expressed interest in signing the former heavyweight champion and addressed the likelihood of a deal materializing during his media availability following the Bellator 292 weigh-ins.

Coker said:

"My guys have been talking to Francis...I know they met. I know Stephen [Espinosa] met with him on [Showtime] boxing. I've always said that I think it would be a perfect fit for him because he could do boxing, he could do MMA. But I don't think that there's anything close to a deal being presented back and forth. Let's see what happens."

Ngannou has repeatedly stated that he intends to compete in a boxing bout and was linked with Tyson Fury. But recently, it seems as though his opponents would likely be Deontay Wilder instead. Regardless of whether he fights Fury or Wilder, it will be a lucrative fight for him, especially considering what he turned down from the UFC.

Despite the interest in a boxing bout, a return to the UFC shouldn't be ruled out. Jon Jones defeated Ciryl Gane to win the vacant heavyweight championship this past weekend and will be fighting Stipe Miocic next. Depending on what transpires in that bout, there could be a growing demand for a heavyweight clash with 'Bones' that leads to the UFC circling back and making another attempt to re-sign 'The Predator.'

There are plenty of options for Ngannou, so it will come down to what he wants to do and how many bouts the MMA promoter would be willing to allow him to compete in.

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Francis Ngannou sends a message to Jon Jones after heavyweight title win

Despite not competing in the promotion anymore, Francis Ngannou still sent a message to Jon Jones following UFC 285 to remind him that he believes he's still the top heavyweight in the world.

'Bones' came off his impressive submission win over Ciryl Gane to win the vacant heavyweight championship. After the bout, 'The Predator' tweeted a message telling Jones that he's still the heavyweight king because he never lost the title when he left the promotion, writing:

"Good job Jonny boy...Sincerely, The heavyweight king"

Jones obviously didn't take too kindly to Ngannou's tweet and fired back with a tweet of his own when he responded to a question regarding why a fight between the two didn't come to fruition, writing:

"I highly doubt it, especially after that first performance. Like I said the dude left for a reason. Came up with every demand and request in the world. He knew that UFC wasn’t going to bend, he found his way out"