Ngannou’s Search For An Opponent

PFL CEO John Martin has teased that the organization is working on something “very special” for the fighter’s return to the cage. The newly crowned PFL heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov has emerged as the most likely opponent. The former Bellator light heavyweight champ recently captured the PFL heavyweight title with a first-round submission over Renan Ferreira, immediately calling out Ngannou for a fight. 

While Ngannou recently mentioned a desire to participate in the UFC’s White House card this June—even suggesting a clash with Jon Jones—UFC CEO Dana White has repeatedly shot down the idea, stating he has no interest in working with Ngannou again.

Despite losses to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, his commercial value in boxing remains high. Both Ngannou and Deontay Wilder have publicly expressed interest in a boxing match. Regardless of the option, Nicksick is hopeful over something soon.

“He’s the lightest I’ve ever seen him. He called and FaceTimed, I saw his face right away and it was like chiseled. Usually, he’s like a little bit more plump and he’s been eating and stuff like that, but his knee is feeling good, so he’s getting his roadwork. He’s training every day and his weight was down. I was like, ‘Yo, we got something coming up?’ And he goes, ‘Yeah, I’m working on a few things.’

“So hopefully, we see him back in the cage in 2026. And then the sky’s the limit for him, man. On a personal level, I’d love to be able to see him compete in the UFC just because of the level of competition that he would go against. But if he fights Nemkov, sh*t, he looked great in his last fight, too. So he’s a guy that we’ve got to take serious. So whatever opponent rises, we’ll be ready for,” Nicksick said