Three heavyweight sluggers Francis Ngannou could face following his PFL debut victory over Renan Ferreira

Francis Ngannou is set to land a blockbuster heavyweight showdown following his scintillating first-round victory over Renan Ferreira on Saturday night.

The former UFC champion made light work of his 6-foot-4 opponent in Saudi Arabia to retain his lineal heavyweight title in an unforgettable PFL debut.

But now the 38-year-old will undoubtedly be looking for the biggest and most lucrative fight for his next outing, whether it be in the octagon or in the ring.

Of course, MMA fans would love nothing more than some action between Francis Ngannou and UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

And yet, while the potential clash certainly remains possible, it's hard to imagine how the pair would do battle after fighting under rival promotional banners.

But after all, the Cameroonian has left the door open for a possible return to boxing after his back-to-back defeats to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

And so now it's worth considering who the pulverizing puncher might face if he were to return to the ring.

Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Ngannou's long-term trainer, Eric Nicksick, has teased a possible clash between his heavyweight charge and former WBC world champion Deontay Wilder.

Wilder is coming off a crushing fifth-round defeat to veteran Chinese Zhilei Zhang, which followed his surprise loss to Joseph Parker late last year.

In response, many martial arts enthusiasts have wondered if the 38-year-old has anything left in the tank.

Still, a clash between Ngannou and Wilder – two formidable knockout artists – would certainly produce fireworks from the opening bell.

Francis Ngannou vs. Dillian Whyte

Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images

This crossover matchup was mooted in 2020, when Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn received a legal letter from the UFC for staging a virtual showdown between the pair.

Ngannou, of course, was under contract with MMA's flagship promotion at the time. But now it appears nothing will stop him from taking on former world title challenger Dillian Whyte.

After becoming a solid heavyweight contender, Whyte suffered a devastating sixth-round defeat to Fury in 2022.

The Brit has also failed several tests for performance-enhancing drugs, but continues to compete at the age of 36.

Francis Ngannou vs. Martin Bakole

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

If Ngannou is looking for an all-African slugfest, top heavyweight Martin Bakole could be his perfect dance partner.

Bakole comes from a destructive fifth-round stoppage over acclaimed American candidate Jared Anderson and storms the stage with his emphatic performance.

And so, with the Congolese campaigner representing one of the most fearsome heavyweight boxers, this clash could provide a compelling homecoming to Africa for Ngannou.

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