Francis Ngannou Is Happy To Wait for ‘Obvious’ Next Title Shot

Francis Ngannou is confident that he will be next in line for the heavyweight title given his current form inside the Octagon even though UFC matchmakers haven’t made any official contact with him about the fight.

Current heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier defends his title next month when he takes on Stipe Miocic in a rematch at UFC 241 and according to “The Predator,” it is only logical that he fights the winner of that fight.

Ngannou originally fought Miocic for the title at UFC 220 back in January 2018 losing via unanimous decision over the five rounds. The Cameroonian then dropped his next fight against Derrick Lewis before finishing his next-three opponents in Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez and more recently Junior dos Santos to put himself in pole position to have another shot at the belt.

Ngannou recently told MMA Fighting that UFC matchmakers had not discussed a title shot with him yet but believes it is inevitable he’ll get the call soon once the fight between Cormier and Miocic concludes.

“No, no one has confirmed that,” Ngannou said. “But, I think it’s just obvious. I think it’s just something that’s going to happen, because what [else] would happen next? What’s left? Maybe if Stipe wins they will attempt a third fight with both, which still doesn’t make sense. I’m here waiting for the title.”

If Miocic was to provide an upset and beat Cormier to claim the belt next month then the UFC may want to hold a trilogy bout between the pair. If that were to happen, Ngannou says he won’t accept another fight in the interim and would rather wait it out for the title shot.

“I mean, I have my time, I’m in the line,” Ngannou said. “I’m legit, so I could wait. Let’s see how this plays out and we will see what happens, but I’m waiting for the title shot.”