UFC heavyweight contender [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag] is in limbo, but all-time boxing great Mike Tyson thinks he has a path forward.
In a recent episode of Tyson’s podcast “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson,” Ngannou explained his situation: With the rubber match between UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic and former titleholder Daniel Cormier still not booked, Ngannou informed Tyson he doesn’t know when his next fight will be.
Tyson, a master of the art of trash talk, encouraged Ngannou to start calling his shots in the public eye. Talking opens up opportunities, especially when challenges are issued.
“You’ve got to go out there and make challenges,” Tyson said. “You’ve got to make your challenge here. Go and talk. Make challenges with these guys. Put them on television shows.”
In vintage “Iron Mike” form, the former heavyweight champion spit Ngannou an example of a savage callout he could put out to the public. No one was safe in this imaginary scenario – not even the fabricated opponent’s wife and kids.
“Go on television shows and say, ‘Why am I not fighting? I know you’re scared,'” Tyson said. “You should go, ‘Everybody is scared of me in the UFC. Have pride for your family. Your mother, your father, your sister, your children know you’re a coward. Show your family some pride. Put pride on your family’s name, you coward. Your family name is going down. You’re the head of your family and you’re a coward. … Think about your family. This is what you think? That means I can have your wife. This is my family now. If you’re not going to fight me, this is my family now.”
[lawrence-related id=519602,519230,518266]
After the rant concluded, Tyson smiled and complimented Ngannou’s kindness. However, Tyson implied he thinks mental warfare should outweighs kindness when it comes to competition.
“You’re a kind man,” Tyson said. “I’m a kind man, but I do it to get in their heads. I had to get in people’s heads.”
Ngannou is coming off of a 20-second knockout of previously undefeated heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249 on May 9. He’s currently riding a four-fight winning streak. All of his wins inside the UFC have come inside the distance.
Check out Francis Ngannou’s full appearance on “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson” in the video below.
[vertical-gallery id=517164]
[vertical-gallery id=309408]