Eric Nicksick Drops Bombshell Prediction on Francis Ngannou’s Future: “He’s Just Getting Started”

The MMA world is buzzing after renowned coach Eric Nicksick shared what many are calling a “stunning” prediction about former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou’s fighting future. As Ngannou continues to make waves in both boxing and potentially PFL MMA, his longtime mentor’s latest comments have fans and analysts alike reconsidering what might be possible for “The Predator.”

Nicksick Believes Ngannou’s Best Days Are Still Ahead

In a recent interview that has the combat sports community talking, Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick didn’t mince words about Ngannou’s potential trajectory. Despite being 37 years old and having already achieved championship status in the UFC before his departure, Nicksick sees an entirely different ceiling for his star pupil.

“What people don’t understand about Francis is that he’s still evolving at a rate you rarely see in heavyweights his age,” Nicksick explained. “The technical improvements he’s made in boxing, paired with his natural power and growing MMA skill set… I truly believe we haven’t seen his best form yet.”

Perhaps most shocking was Nicksick’s assertion that Ngannou could potentially compete at an elite level for “another 5-7 years” if he manages his body and fight selection properly.

The Unique Ngannou Timeline

While most fighters Ngannou’s age would be considered in the twilight of their careers, Nicksick points to several factors that make “The Predator” a special case:

• Ngannou started training MMA relatively late (at age 26)
• He’s absorbed less cumulative damage than most fighters his age
• His fighting style has evolved to become more technical and less reliant on pure athleticism
• The heavyweight division historically allows for longer careers
• His newfound financial freedom allows him to be selective about fights

Boxing Success Creates New Possibilities

After pushing Tyson Fury to the limit in a close decision loss and then battling Anthony Joshua, Ngannou has demonstrated extraordinary boxing ability that few expected from an MMA fighter making the transition.

“What Francis did against Fury wasn’t just impressive for an MMA fighter – it was impressive for any boxer,” Nicksick said. “And now that he’s proven himself at that level, I believe he’s going to bring new elements back to his MMA game that will make him even more dangerous.”

I’ve watched Francis in the gym recently, and what’s scary is how much his boxing experience has sharpened his overall striking. His distance management and defensive awareness have improved dramatically.

What’s Next for “The Predator”?

According to Nicksick, we can expect to see Ngannou return to MMA in 2024, likely in the PFL, though he stopped short of confirming specific opponents. He did, however, suggest that Ngannou’s team is exploring options for both boxing and MMA matchups, with the goal of maximizing both competitive challenges and financial opportunities.

“The beauty of Francis’s position right now is freedom,” Nicksick noted. “He can pick the fights that make sense for his legacy and his bank account. How many fighters ever get to that position?”

The Mental Evolution of a Champion

Perhaps the most intriguing part of Nicksick’s assessment focuses on Ngannou’s mental growth. The coach revealed that Ngannou’s experiences in high-profile boxing matches have given him a new level of confidence and poise under pressure.

“When you’ve stood across from Tyson Fury in front of 90,000 people at Wembley, not much is going to intimidate you anymore,” Nicksick explained. “Francis has always had the physical tools, but now he has the championship mindset to match. That’s what makes his future so exciting.”

Could We See Ngannou vs. Jones?

While the dream matchup with Jon Jones never materialized in the UFC, Nicksick didn’t completely close the door on the possibility of the fight happening someday, though he acknowledged significant obstacles.

“Never say never in this sport. Crazier things have happened. All I’ll say is that Francis would be very interested in that fight under the right circumstances.”

The Takeaway: Ngannou’s Second Act May Surpass His First

If Nicksick’s predictions prove accurate, MMA fans may be witnessing only the middle chapters of the Francis Ngannou story. With newfound financial stability, continued technical growth, and the flexibility to compete across combat sports, Ngannou appears positioned to redefine what’s possible for fighters in the later stages of their careers.

As we watch this next phase unfold, one thing seems certain: counting out Francis Ngannou has rarely been a winning bet.

What do you think about Nicksick’s predictions? Could Ngannou truly be entering his prime years despite his age? Let us know in the comments!

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