Francis Ngannou has realized his destiny within the WBC rankings following his savage knockout loss versus Anthony Joshua as he dropped down 14 locations following his brutal defeat. The Cameroonian got here into the bout in opposition to the Brit boasting a burgeoning popularity after inflicting Tyson Fury a scare on his boxing bow. 

His efficiency versus 'the Gypsy King' in Saudi Arabia final 12 months noticed him go the space in an entertaining spectacle as he finally misplaced on a cut up factors choice. The name from the judges on the night time proved controversial, particularly after Ngannou knocked down his opponent early within the bout.

Even if he had misplaced the battle in Riyadh, he very a lot gained the struggle as his displaying earned him a rating of No. 10 within the WBC rankings - alongside a glamour bout with Joshua. However, regardless of expectations that he might spring a shock in his second foray into the ring as an expert, the previous world heavyweight champion confirmed his class to dispatch of his challenger in model.

Emerging victorious, Joshua left Ngannou sprawling on the canvas with a savage blow by executing a memorable second-round knockout. Now, the fallout from his defeat has meant that the 27-year-old MMA legend has now plummeted down the WBC rankings to No. 24.

Follow us on X for the very best and newest in sports activities news

Conversely, the triumphant Joshua is now the very best ranked fighter within the weight division, with opponents Frank Sanchez, Agit Kabayel, Efe Ajagba and Jared Anderson trailing him. Despite offering a masterclass to defeat Ngannou in his most up-to-date outing, it was clear that 'AJ' was desperate to encourage his peer to maintain the religion in his potential.

Firing some variety phrases the way in which of the person he had despatched sprawling simply moments earlier than, Joshua was magnanimous as he revealed his admiration for his adversary on the night time. He admitted: "You're an inspiration. You'd beat a lot of people. Don't leave boxing - don't leave. Dewey [Cooper, Ngannou's head coach] - don't leave boxing, you know. This guy is the truth."

The defeated ace appeared in no temper to entertain the attraction offensive from Joshua, although, as he admitted: "Right now, I don't know exactly what fight I'll be looking for next,' he said. I know that I'm going to take some time to rest up, focus on myself."

"Then when I'm ready, I will get back to training," he continued, as he appeared to speak himself into sticking at it. "It's not over yet – not at all, We're just getting started. The only thing that we will miss this year is time, and I think we have some good amount of time ahead of us."

Looking to reply rapidly to a wounding loss, Ngannou is now set for his debut within the PFL as he makes a return to MMA to face off in opposition to Renan Ferreira. Speaking concerning the prospect of the ex-UFC heavyweight champion making his comeback within the cage, the PFL founder Donn Davis appeared excited to see what's in retailer.

Speaking beforehand on 'The MMA Hour', he acknowledged: "I’m rooting for Francis all the time, but now he’s coming back early. Will it be as early as July? Maybe. Will it be as late as September? No later, but you’ll see Francis now in 2024, in PFL, against Renan Ferreira in what I believe is going to be the fight I’m looking forward to the most in the heavyweight division of all of MMA."