Wilder Eyes Hybrid Heavyweight Bout After Tune-Up Triumph

Deontay Wilder’s manager has indicated that he would be open to a crossover fight with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou—but not this year. The earliest window for such an encounter would be in 2026. Talks have not been firmly anchored, but the idea remains alive. Ngannou, who has tried boxing with mixed success, had signalled his interest and seemed to hint at moves to make it happen. Yet Wilder’s team has clarified that the bout would not materialise within the next several months.

Ngannou’s transition to boxing included bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He pushed Fury to a split-decision outcome in his debut but was knocked out early by Joshua. His power and notoriety give the potential crossover fight commercial appeal, should it be arranged. Wilder, in contrast, saw his career stall with those two defeats, but his Herndon win offers proof he still has something left.

Deontay Wilder returned to the ring in June with a win over journeyman Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. He was the overwhelming favourite with non GamStop bookies, entering the bout with staggering 1/30 odds. These betting platforms appeal among many boxing punters by offering flexible deposit options, access even when UK-blocked, and promotions that domestic operators often cannot match.

Against Herndon, Wilder dropped him early and secured a stoppage in the seventh. That win helped re-establish some momentum after back-to-back losses. With that behind him, he has shifted focus toward what could be a far more eye-catching contest later on.

Arranging a crossover between two heavy hitters like Wilder and Ngannou would involve more than just agreeing terms. A hybrid format—combining elements of MMA and boxing—has been floated by PFL officials and would heighten the spectacle. That format could pose challenges in regulation, gloves, rounds, and rulesets, but delivers guaranteed drama. While no contract exists yet for such a showdown, conversations may continue behind the scenes as both men look to extend their legacies—or at least deliver a compelling payday.

Should the fight come together, it would mark a rare alignment in combat sports. Two famously powerful fighters meeting under a hybrid arrangement would draw fans from both boxing and MMA. Timing seems key. With no boxing fight scheduled for Wilder in 2025 beyond Herndon, attention may shift to a traditional bout—or opening up negotiations for the crossover. Ngannou, who tragically lost his son last year, likewise may pursue more opportunities in both sports, assuming he stays active.

Both men now occupy a curious space. Wilder, once feared for his knockout power, must demonstrate he still has competitive fire. Ngannou, confident even after defeats, is seeking validation in boxing just as much as a payday. Cross-pollinating both worlds may be as much about entertainment as sporting merit. If it happens, 2026 could bring one of the most talked-about heavyweight contests in recent memory.