Ngannou Confident About ‘Beating Up’ Fury, Chandler Slams McGregor Who Won’t Fight This Year

Francis Ngannou has opened up on his mindset ahead of his bout with Tyson Fury.

The two are set to face off against each other on October 28th, 2023, in a crossover event. Ngannou will be making his boxing debut, as he has enlisted the help of Mike Tyson as his trainer and cornerman in an attempt to pull off a major shock. 

Although Fury’s WBC belt is not on the line, it is by all accounts, a bout that will go on an official record. Despite being the heavy underdog, Ngannou fancies his chances against Fury.

After all, Ngannou got a look at Fury when the latter knocked out Dillian Whyte in 2022 as they met each other in the ring. 

Ngannou On Fury

“Well, I saw a human, a human being that can be beat up. Obviously, it was his night. He was there, he put on a show. I loved the performance that he put on that night against Dillian Whyte. It was a great knock out.

“Everybody is beatable. I was there kind of sizing him up, OK, I think I can take this guy. I mean it’s not going to be easy. It’s boxing,” Ngannou

Ngannou’s Risk

In reality, Ngannou is in a no-lose situation. If he does manage to pull off a victory, it will arguably be the biggest upset in the history of the sport.

Meanwhile, a defeat does nothing to his brand. After all, he is expected to come out second best in a sport where he is making his debut.

Both Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz showed this, as their respective losses in the boxing ring did nothing to impact their MMA career.

And given that Ngannou does have a PFL deal, where he will make his debut in 2024, the MMA star has plenty to look forward to moving forward. 

“I know that this is a new area for me, it’s not my comfort zone, but trust me, I’m gonna give everything. Be ready and when I get there, I’m gonna put on a show. I’m gonna give everything in the ring. I think that I can take Tyson down,” Ngannou

Chandler On The ‘Notorious’

In addition to this, Michael Chandler has hit out at Conor McGregor for not showing up to offer his support for Brad Katona’s fight at UFC 292.

Katona was part of team McGregor on the ‘TUF 31’ series, as the only fighter from his team to make the finals.

Although that may have been the case, Katona did transfer from team Chandler to McGregor as he faced Cody Gibson.

And given that Katona did end up winning the bout via a decision, McGregor was ultimately absent from the fighter’s biggest moment. 

However, since Chandler was on hand to support his fighters at the event, the former had a lot to say about McGregor’s approach. 

“Whenever I sign my name on a dotted line, I show up, and I do it to the best of my ability. That’s why I was with Kurt, and Austin, and Cody earlier today, seeing them, giving them a hug, telling them how much I love them, telling them that I’m excited to go and watch them compete tonight, because tonight was part of the job. 

“That doesn’t mean that (McGregor) is doing anything wrong by not showing up,” Chandler continued. “I would love for him to be here for numerous reasons, not the least of which would be to go say hi to him, see what’s up, see how life is, see how training’s going. But ultimately Conor does what Conor wants to do,” Chandler said

McGregor Won’t Fight This Year

The rivalry between McGregor and Chandler, though, has now taken on a new twist. The ‘Notorious’ did confirm that he would not be facing Chandler this year.

This should not come as a surprise, as the MMA fighter has not abided by the USADA testing rules. According to the organization, fighters must test negative twice over a six-month period before they can fight.

The existence of an exemption, however, does not appear to have been enough McGregor to bypass the rules. And by the looks of it, this has left the star feeling aggrieved.

“I hold the power. I’m going to keep doing my thing. I’m in a great spot, and I’ll see you’s all soon. F**king early next year, hopefully. Please God. Someone, Ari, Ari. My man. I’m ready, yeah. December 16, I am ready. Nevada State Athletic Commission, Bob Bennett may have retired. Un-retire. Because when I’m around the game… ring Bob Bennett. Tell the commission what’s the story, because I’m being kept from my livelihood here. Turns out Bob’s retired and I’m like, ‘What the f**k?’. I’ve been on the top of the game f**king long,” McGregor said