FRANCIS NGANNOU has called to fight Tyson Fury – but admitted it will not be in the UFC.
The boxing and MMA heavyweight stars have spent the past few years calling each other out.
But the reality could be drawing closer as Ngannou made a YouTube video to challenge Fury, but ruled out doing it in the cage.
He said: “I don’t really care about what it would be, I just think it would be a fight.
“Against Tyson Fury, it could be in a phone booth or on a rooftop; that fight will happen.
“Obviously he won’t come to MMA, that’s not something that could happen. He would get killed.”
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Fury, 33, returns to the boxing ring on April 23 when he defends his WBC title and unbeaten record against Dillian Whyte, 33, at Wembley.
But he claimed retirement will follow and the only form of fighting he will continue to compete in will be for crossover bouts.
He has included Ngannou, 35, in that list and eyes a super-fight in Las Vegas next year.
But, the UFC prohibits their athletes from competing outside the promotion while under contract.
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Conor McGregor, 33, was given a special exemption in 2017 to face boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, 45, and Ngannou called for similar.
The UFC have seemed unwilling to play ball and the Cameroonian, who has just had knee surgery, currently has NO fights left on his current contract.
As champion, he has tied down for 12 months after his last bout, which came in January with a win over Ciryl Gane, 31.
It remains to be seen whether Ngannou will extend his deal or see it out to pursue a career in boxing.
But he did admit discussions need to be had with the UFC one way or another.
Ngannou added: “The UFC and I, we have to really sit down and talk real business – but this time with a real consideration, because they have to take me seriously.
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“I feel very happy and at peace with my choices. I don’t want anything to dictate my behaviour or my choices, unless it’s my feelings.
“I am the undisputed heavyweight champion.”
Francis Ngannou underwent knee surgery
