Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Francis Ngannou’s Coach Hopes for MMA Return, But Boxing Still Priority

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 10:58 PM ET

Francis Ngannou’s longtime coach, Eric Nicksick, admits he’d like to see “The Predator” back in MMA soon, but it doesn’t appear to be high on the former UFC heavyweight champion’s agenda.

Francis Ngannou (18–3 MMA, 0–2 boxing), who remains under contract with the PFL for MMA, has shifted his focus toward boxing, with ongoing speculation about a potential clash against former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

Nicksick’s Perspective

Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio, Nicksick said he hasn’t heard anything concrete regarding Ngannou’s MMA future.

“We talk regularly, but we just talk as buddies… It sounds to me like he wants that Wilder fight, and I haven’t heard much more about the MMA side at all, to be honest with you.”

Francis Ngannou is coming off two high-profile boxing bouts: a controversial decision loss to Tyson Fury in his debut, followed by a knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua. He has openly said he wants to get a win in the boxing ring before considering anything else.

Coach Eric Nicksick says no motion 'at all' on Francis Ngannou's MMA future (via @MMAJunkieGeorge, @thegoze) https://t.co/M0pYzXiWcG

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 27, 2025

A Coach’s Desire

For Nicksick, who heads Xtreme Couture, the focus on boxing has been bittersweet. He worked closely with Ngannou in Las Vegas during the pandemic, shaping him into the fighter who won UFC gold. He believes the 38-year-old still has plenty left to give in MMA.

“Of course I would like him to return to MMA. That’s my specialty. I still feel like we have a lot more we can do on the MMA side. It sucks because I felt we were growing so much and doing so many things, and all of a sudden… he shifted his focus more over to boxing. I miss that growth and maturation we had.”

The Road Ahead

Nothing is confirmed, but Ngannou is expected to spend time in Paris with Nicksick in the coming weeks. A decision could come soon regarding whether his next fight is inside a cage or a boxing ring.

At this stage, however, the priority looks clear: Ngannou wants redemption in boxing before considering a return to MMA.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: