Tom Aspinall has identified a potential path to finally share a ring with Francis Ngannou, and it leads outside the UFC. The reigning UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion has suggested a crossover boxing match could be the only way to make the long-discussed fight a reality, acknowledging their careers never intersected during Ngannou’s time in the promotion.
“The only way I’m fighting Ngannou is if we do a boxing match,” Aspinall stated, framing it as a major spectacle rather than a pursuit of traditional boxing titles. The idea capitalises on the massive success of Ngannou’s own boxing forays against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, positioning a fight between two of MMA’s most feared strikers as a natural and lucrative next event.
The Missed Matchup: Why an Octagon Clash Seems Impossible
The desire to see Aspinall and Ngannou fight has been a constant topic among heavyweight fans. However, the logistical hurdles have made it a fantasy matchup. Ngannou’s acrimonious exit from the UFC in early 2023, followed by his signing with the PFL, placed him in a different promotional ecosystem.
Furthermore, Aspinall is contractually committed to the UFC, where he currently holds the interim title and is focused on a unification bout with champion Jon Jones. With Ngannou’s next fight likely against PFL champion Vadim Nemkov in 2026, a standard MMA bout between the two appears off the table for the foreseeable future, leading Aspinall to think outside the cage.
Aspinall’s Realistic Take on a Boxing Transition
While intrigued by the idea, Aspinall is pragmatic about his prospects in pure boxing. At 32, he has dismissed any notion of chasing a legitimate world championship in the sport, a path that requires years of dedicated apprenticeship.
Instead, he views his opportunity in the growing market of “crossover super-fights,” where the primary appeal is the clash of iconic MMA names in a boxing ring. “I’m not going to be a world champion boxer… But what I could do is box some MMA guys in a boxing match,” he explained. This model, proven by the success of Ngannou vs. Fury, focuses on fan interest and financial reward over sporting legacy in the new discipline.
The Blueprint: Following the Ngannou-Fury Model
The proposed fight would directly follow the template set by Ngannou’s shocking performance against Tyson Fury in October 2023. That bout, a competitive 10-round split decision loss for Ngannou, was a monumental commercial success and proved the viability of top-level MMA strikers in high-profile boxing matches.
For it to happen, several stars would need to align:
- Timing: Both fighters would need a clear window in their respective MMA schedules, most likely in late 2026 or beyond.
- Promotional Cooperation: The UFC, PFL, and a boxing promoter (likely from Saudi Arabia) would need to broker a unique co-promotion, sharing broadcast rights and revenue.
- Financial Will: The event would require a massive site fee from a host nation to make the financial incentives irresistible for all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t Tom Aspinall fight Francis Ngannou in the UFC or PFL?
They are under exclusive contracts with rival promotions—Aspinall with the UFC and Ngannou with the PFL. This makes a standard MMA bout between them virtually impossible without an unprecedented co-promotion deal.
Does Tom Aspinall want to become a professional boxer?
No. Aspinall has stated that becoming a world champion boxer is not his goal. He is only interested in select, lucrative crossover fights against other major MMA stars like Ngannou.
Has Francis Ngannou responded to this idea?
As of this writing, Francis Ngannou has not publicly responded to Tom Aspinall’s specific call for a boxing match. His immediate focus is on his scheduled PFL heavyweight title fight.
What is Tom Aspinall’s next fight in the UFC?
Aspinnall’s priority is to unify the UFC heavyweight championship by facing the undisputed champion, Jon Jones, upon Jones’ return from injury. No date for that fight has been set.
Who would be the favourite in a boxing match between Aspinall and Ngannou?
Based on proven experience, Ngannou would likely be favoured. He has already boxed at the elite level against Fury and Joshua, while Aspinall, though a skilled striker in MMA, has no professional boxing experience.
