Imagine a heavyweight showdown that could redefine the MMA landscape: Francis Ngannou, the fearsome 'Predator,' stepping into the cage against a rising star groomed by none other than Jon Jones himself. But here’s where it gets controversial—what if that star, Gable Steveson, were temporarily 'loaned' from the UFC to the PFL for this epic clash? This bold idea, championed by UFC legend Chael Sonnen, has the MMA world buzzing with excitement and debate.
Since his departure from the UFC in early 2023, Francis Ngannou has fought just once—a dominant first-round knockout of Renan Ferreira in October 2024 under the PFL banner. Despite his undeniable power, Ngannou has struggled to find a worthy opponent for his next bout. The PFL has teased something 'special' for him in 2026, but the question remains: who can truly challenge the former UFC champion? And this is the part most people miss—Sonnen believes the answer lies in a co-promotional event involving UFC president Dana White.
Enter Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, whose transition to MMA has been nothing short of impressive. With Jon Jones mentoring him and a jaw-dropping 25-second knockout win under his belt, Steveson is being hailed as the future of the heavyweight division. Sonnen’s proposal? Have Dana White sign Steveson to the UFC and then 'loan' him to the PFL to face Ngannou. 'I think it’s a compelling match,' Sonnen said in a recent YouTube video. 'Gable is available… and will do the fight.'
But here’s the controversial twist: Is this move a win-win for both promotions, or does it blur the lines of loyalty and competition? Sonnen isn’t alone in his enthusiasm—Joe Rogan, UFC commentator and podcast host, has also urged White to sign Steveson, calling him a 'freak athlete' with unparalleled speed and striking ability for a heavyweight. 'Everyone’s f—– when this guy comes out,' Rogan declared on The Joe Rogan Experience. 'That kind of speed is nuts for a heavyweight.'
While some see Steveson as the perfect challenger for Ngannou, others question whether he’s ready for such a high-profile fight so early in his career. Is Gable Steveson destined for greatness, or is this matchup too much, too soon? Weigh in below—is this the fight you want to see, or is there a better opponent out there for Ngannou? Let the debate begin!
