The world of combat sports is buzzing once again, and this time, the chatter is all about a potential collision between two of the most feared punchers on the planet: Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder and Francis "The Predator" Ngannou. If you thought the heavyweight landscape couldn’t get any wilder, think again. This prospective matchup has fans, pundits, and fighters themselves weighing in with bold predictions and fiery opinions, none more so than former UFC star Dan Hardy, who’s left no doubt about where he stands.
Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight boxing champion, has never shied away from a challenge. Known for his devastating knockout power and an unorthodox, rangy style, Wilder has been a dominant force in the boxing ring for years. But after a recent public callout, he’s set his sights on Ngannou, the ex-UFC heavyweight king who’s made waves in both mixed martial arts and boxing. The hype around this clash of titans is real, with both fighters boasting knockout records that make opponents—and even spectators—tremble.
What’s driving all this speculation? It started when Wilder, fresh off watching Ngannou’s return to MMA—which ended in a tough defeat against Renan Ferreira at PFL vs Bellator in February 2025—challenged the Cameroonian powerhouse to step back into the boxing spotlight. Wilder’s message was clear: he wants a showdown that tests the limits of human punching power. "I want to give the fans what they want," Wilder said recently, stirring up anticipation for a battle that could redefine heavyweight combat.
Yet, not everyone is convinced that Wilder would have the upper hand. Enter Dan Hardy, a respected voice in MMA analysis and a former UFC fighter himself. Hardy has been outspoken in his support for Ngannou, going so far as to predict a brutal knockout in favor of the former MMA champion. In a recent interview with The Schmo, Hardy didn’t mince words: "I’m backing Ngannou. He’s got decent boxing skills, he’s got good boxing defense, he’s got ridiculous power in his hands."
Hardy’s praise for Ngannou didn’t stop there. He dissected both fighters’ styles, noting that while Wilder’s power is legendary, his technique leaves something to be desired. "Deontay Wilder is not the cleanest of boxers. He was dangerous because he’s got ridiculous power in his hands, and he’s got an unorthodox style. He’s tall, he’s long, he’s rangy, and he can whip with power. But Ngannou is a different thing. I think he punches a hole in Deontay Wilder—a big Francis Ngannou fist-sized hole in the middle of his chest."
That’s a statement that’s hard to ignore! Hardy’s confidence in Ngannou’s ability to transition from MMA to boxing comes not just from raw power, but from what he describes as "decent boxing skills" and "good boxing defense." And if there’s anyone who can speak to Ngannou’s punching prowess, it’s the boxers who’ve shared the ring with him during training camps. Prior to his high-profile bout with Anthony Joshua, Ngannou trained with some of the sport’s toughest warriors, earning respect—and perhaps a little fear—for the sheer force behind his punches.
Ngannou’s journey from MMA to boxing has been nothing short of dramatic. He made his much-anticipated boxing debut in October 2023 against none other than Tyson Fury, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion. In a moment that sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Ngannou dropped Fury in the third round—a feat few expected from a debutant. Though Fury ultimately edged out a split decision win, Ngannou’s performance silenced many doubters and instantly made him a player in the boxing scene.
But the road hasn’t been entirely smooth for Ngannou. In March 2024, he faced Anthony Joshua and suffered a knockout defeat, raising some questions about his boxing future. Critics wondered if his MMA background could truly translate to sustained success in the squared circle. Still, the fact remains: Ngannou’s power is undeniable, and his willingness to take on the best in both sports is winning him fans worldwide.
Wilder, meanwhile, is no stranger to adversity or big-stage drama. With a record littered with highlight-reel knockouts, he’s built a legacy on his ability to end fights with a single punch. Yet, as Hardy points out, boxing isn’t just about power. "He’s not the cleanest of boxers," Hardy reiterated, "but he’s got an unorthodox style. He’s tall, he’s long, he’s rangy, and he can whip with power." It’s that unpredictability that’s kept Wilder at the top for so long—and it’s what makes a potential fight with Ngannou so tantalizing.
What would a Wilder-Ngannou fight look like? Fans and analysts alike are salivating at the prospect. Would it be a tactical chess match, or an all-out slugfest destined to end in a spectacular knockout? With both men possessing what Hardy calls "ridiculous power," the margin for error would be razor-thin. One mistake, one opening, and the fight could be over in the blink of an eye.
Adding even more intrigue, Hardy’s prediction isn’t just about Ngannou’s physical gifts. He believes Ngannou’s mental toughness and adaptability could give him the edge. After all, this is a fighter who’s faced adversity inside and outside the cage, who’s taken on the best in two different sports, and who’s shown he can rise to the occasion when the spotlight is brightest.
As the speculation swirls, both fighters remain noncommittal about when—or even if—the bout will happen. Negotiations, promotional hurdles, and scheduling conflicts all play a part in turning hype into reality. But one thing’s for sure: should Wilder and Ngannou finally meet in the ring, the world will be watching, breath held, waiting for that one thunderous punch that could settle the debate once and for all.
For now, the action is all in the realm of words and predictions. Dan Hardy’s take has certainly added fuel to the fire, and fans can’t help but imagine what would unfold if these two titans finally collide. Whether it’s Wilder’s proven knockout artistry or Ngannou’s raw, untamed power, one thing is certain—this is a fight that could shake up the heavyweight division and go down in combat sports history.
Until contracts are signed and gloves are laced up, the anticipation only grows. With both men eager to prove who’s the true king of power punching, the world waits for the bell to ring on what could be one of the most explosive heavyweight showdowns in recent memory.
