A UFC legend thinks he has identified the right opponent for Francis Ngannou.
‘The Predator’ has not entered the cage since October 2024, when Ngannou tore through Renan Ferreira to make a successful debut under the PFL banner.
That marked the Cameroonian’s one and only MMA fight since leaving the UFC at first of 2023 so far, and he has struggled to search out suitable opposition for his next clash.
The PFL is planning something “special” for Ngannou in 2026, the 12 months by which the ex-UFC champ could return to free agency after completing his contract.
And with regards to the opponent, Chael Sonnen thinks Dana White could get entangled with a co-promotional event of sorts…
- LATEST NEWS: Fans roast Deontay Wilder after he picks Anthony Joshua to beat heavyweight legend in fantasy fight
Chael Sonnen pitches Gable Steveson as the answer to Francis Ngannou’s opponent problem — with Dana White’s help
Gable Steveson has been making a splash in mixed martial arts this 12 months. The 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling is being tipped by many for fulfillment contained in the cage, and helping him achieve it’s UFC GOAT contender Jon Jones.
The Rochester native has had a front-row seat to his protege’s early results, including Steveson’s 25-second knockout in November.
Amongst those high on Steveson is Sonnen, and after Ngannou’s contract revelation and the newest brutal remarks about ‘The Predator’ from UFC CEO Dana White, ‘The Bad Guy’ has an idea.
“Very badly, I would like Dana White to get entangled and say, ‘Okay, you guys have been wanting to do a co-promote, we’re gonna do one,’” Sonnen said in a YouTube video.
“‘I’m gonna send you my guy. I’m gonna do a cope with a young man named Gable Steveson. He will likely be under contract with the UFC and I’m gonna loan him out to you guys to face Francis.’
“That’s what I would like,” he continued. “I believe it’s a fantastic move. I believe it’s a compelling match.
“I’m not taking a look at (Vadim) Nemkov, I’m not taking a look at a rematch with (Renan) Ferreira, I’m not taking a look at Deontay Wilder… (Steveson) is the fight I would like. Gable is on the market…and can do the fight.”
- THROWBACK: Nate Diaz lost to ex-UFC champion after being fined for large fight week mistake he has never repeated
Is Gable Steveson destined for greatness in MMA, like Jon Jones is predicting? 🤼
Joe Rogan has also told Dana White to sign Gable Steveson
Sonnen isn’t the one big name urging the UFC president to bring Steveson under his promotion’s banner.
Joe Rogan can also be high on the wrestling specialist, a lot in order that he texted White about signing Steveson after the MMA prospect’s second win contained in the cage.
“The heavyweight division is so devoid of talent,” the UFC commentator said on his podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience.
“Gable Steveson is the f—- guy, that’s the guy. He’s not even within the UFC yet. Olympic gold medalist, f—- freak athlete, 250 kilos, moves like a cat, that’s the guy.
“I sent a text message to Dana White, I sent him a video of Gable Steveson’s last fight. I said, ‘Everyone’s f—–, everyone’s f—– when this guy comes out.’ He KO’d this guy with a left hand, after which took him down as he was knocked out.
“It’s so f—- crazy the speed this guy has, to start with, really good striking already and he’s only been striking for a 12 months… Dude, everyone’s f—–. That form of speed is nuts for a heavyweight.”
Join the talk; share your insight. Use the comment button on the underside left to have your say