Curtis Blaydes wants to box Francis Ngannou after UFC retirement

Curtis Blaydes has expressed interest in boxing Francis Ngannou after retiring from the UFC. The heavyweight contender has drawn inspiration from longtime UFC veterans like Drew Dober and Neil Magny, who have maintained long careers while gradually assuming gatekeeper roles within their divisions. Blaydes hopes to establish a similar legacy in the octagon before pursuing a boxing match with Ngannou, who capitalized on lucrative boxing opportunities following his UFC departure. Blaydes and Ngannou have fought twice before: their 2016 debut saw Blaydes suffer a doctor's stoppage due to a bloodied eye in the second round, with a rematch following later in their careers.