In a surprising turn of events, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has accepted the challenge to face boxing legend Tyson Fury on October 28.

Ngannou, who announced his retirement from MMA six months ago, will make his boxing debut in Saudi Arabia, promising the biggest prize money of his career. The decision came after a meeting with Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who convinced Ngannou that Saudi Arabia is the “future” of sports.

Ronaldo’s extensive knowledge of MMA and his enthusiastic support further motivated Ngannou to embrace this historic opportunity. The fight will take place under professional boxing rules, although the contract includes a rematch clause with MMA rules, giving the MMA monument a chance to showcase his skills in both disciplines.

The journey to the historic boxing match between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury began during a meeting between Ngannou and Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

Ronaldo, known for his passion for sports and immense knowledge of MMA, had a profound impact on Ngannou’s decision to step into the boxing ring. The Portuguese star praised Saudi Arabia as a rapidly growing hub for sports and shared his belief in its promising future.

The Cameroonian boxer, fondly nicknamed “Predator,” revealed that he was surprised by Ronaldo’s extensive understanding of MMA and his avid following of Ngannou’s career. This unexpected encounter with Ronaldo, a legendary athlete in his own right, left Ngannou feeling honored and supported.

Ronaldo’s endorsement of Saudi Arabia as the “future” of sports left a lasting impression on Ngannou. After his first visit to the country, Ngannou was captivated by its remarkable growth and potential as a sports destination.

Encouraged by Ronaldo’s words and his passionate fans, Ngannou decided to accept the challenge of facing Tyson Fury in this momentous boxing match.

Although Francis Ngannou is entering the boxing ring as a relative newcomer to the sport, he embraces the challenge of facing the formidable Tyson Fury. The fight will consist of 10 rounds under professional boxing rules, presenting a unique opportunity for the MMA legend to showcase his striking abilities and adaptability.

While acknowledging the clear advantage that Fury possesses in the realm of boxing, Ngannou’s contract with the British boxer includes a rematch clause with MMA rules. This clause gives Ngannou the chance to display his renowned MMA skills, demonstrating his versatility and determination to compete at the highest level.

The influence of Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked an exciting chapter in the sports world, as Francis Ngannou embarks on his boxing journey with Tyson Fury. The meeting with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia not only convinced Ngannou of the country’s potential as a sports hub but also motivated him to accept the challenge against one of boxing’s biggest names.

As the historic match approaches, fans eagerly await the clash between the MMA monument and the “Gypsy King,” highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of sports and cross-disciplinary talent in the global arena.