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In a riveting turn of events in combat sports, the boxing world has been abuzz with talks of a potential showdown between former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and former UFC champion Francis Ngannou. However, Wilder has made it clear that the devil lies in the details when it comes to accepting a mixed rules bout against "The Predator."
Ngannou's remarkable performance against WBC titleholder Tyson Fury catapulted him into the realm of boxing stardom, despite a narrow defeat via split decision. The nearly seismic upset, marked by Ngannou's knockdown of Fury, thrust him into the conversation for potential matchups against top-tier boxers, with Wilder emerging as a prime candidate for what could be an electrifying clash.
During an interview with Lucky Block, Wilder expressed his openness to the concept of a mixed rules bout but emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the ruleset. Citing his curiosity about the distribution and limitations of these rules, Wilder iterated the importance of clarity in defining what actions are permissible and what are not.
"I wouldn’t mind fighting in the octagon and stuff, but I’d have to understand how the mixed rules are distributed. What can and can’t we do?" Wilder stated, shedding light on his eagerness for innovation in combat sports. "We’ve got rules in boxing, we’ve got rules in mixed martial arts. But when you’re mixing both together now you have to come up with your own rules, and it can get kind of frustrating or confusing."
Wilder's contemplation hints at the complexity of merging two distinct disciplines and the necessity for clear guidelines to avoid ambiguity or potential conflicts during the contest. The notion of one fight in boxing followed by an MMA bout raises the stakes, demanding a well-defined framework that satisfies both competitors.
As talks simmer about this groundbreaking potential matchup, the significance of setting definitive parameters for a mixed rules showdown looms large. Wilder's cautious yet intrigued stance mirrors the sentiment that both parties must engage in comprehensive discussions to shape the future of this unique, boundary-pushing spectacle in combat sports.