Francis Ngannou makes first UFC return since release amid potential U-turn on comeback

Francis Ngannou's surprise appearance at a UFC event hints at a possible return, sparking speculation about a fight with Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall. Given this renewed interest and the potential for a significant showdown, punters may want to consider betting on Ngannou's comeback performance, especially if he transitions back into the UFC successfully.

Francis Ngannou made a first appearance at a UFC event since leaving the promotion – to support friend Kamaru Usman. Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 and was stripped of his heavyweight title, as he failed to agree to a new deal with Dana White's promotion.

Ngannou returned to the UFC stage to support friend Kamaru Usman. The Cameroon star didn’t leave on entirely good terms and has barely batted an eye at the UFC since signing with rivals PFL.

But his coach Eric Nicksick recently hinted that he would be open to a comeback to the roster, despite previously suggesting he would never return. Jon Jones issued a call-out to Ngannou and hinted that the fight could get made, but Dana White didn’t budge on a new signature for his former champion.

Although now relations appear to have improved again, with Ngannou attending the UFC Atlanta weigh-ins. It was the 38-year-old’s first arrival at any UFC event since 2023. He even came up on stage as friend and former UFC champion Usman took to the scales to weigh in for his huge showdown with Joaquin Buckley.

Ngannou received a rousing reception from fans, as his status as a hugely popular fighter has clearly been retained. And it sent the MMA fraternity into a frenzy, with many demanding he faces either Jones or Tom Aspinall.

But his coach Nicksick believes right now he would likely struggle to exit his deal with the PFL. On his debut at his new home, Ngannou became the heavyweight champion by beating Renan Ferreira last year.

Ngannou received a warm welcome up on stage. But he has yet to fight since, and has even teased a return to boxing after two outings against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. A more likely option than a UFC comeback could be a two-fight deal with Deontay Wilder.

And the ‘Bronze Bomber’ insists talks are still ongoing. ‘Yeah, I’d love to fight Ngannou. It’s a lot of things going on,” he said. “I think that fight is still stirring up. We’re still talking about it. Certain things have been laid out. We do one fight boxing and one fight MMA; fair is fair. We’re just trying to figure out how we want the segment to go with me and Ngannou. I’m definitely interested; he is as well.

Ngannou last fought in the UFC in his win over Cyril Gane in 2022. “I guess it’s just a matter of time; time is always the matter, and then when you execute that, you always get a place and a date, and then you can start the promotion.

“I think that’s something that’s looking to be created, something that is looking to be done. "People are going to look forward to that; I’m going to look forward to that. Stay tuned.”

Talksport