Fighters react to razor-close decision in Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight

After surprising the entire MMA community by departing the UFC on his own terms, Francis Ngannou had the world at his fingertips as a free agent. Not only did he land on his feet by securing a huge deal with the PFL, he also locked in a blockbuster bout for his venture into boxing.

On October 28, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ngannou was facing the impossible when he collided with the consensus greatest heavyweight of his generation Tyson Fury. Despite coming up short, the former UFC champion shocked everyone by putting on a great show which was almost enough to get his hands raised.

Following his fantastic display, fighters jumped on social media to give their thoughts on how ‘The Predator’ fared in his debut inside the squared circle. The general agreement among those who witnessed history was that win or lose, the powerhouse did himself and the entire mixed martial arts world proud.

“The true champ of the evening @francis_ngannou So proud how you performed.”#BattleoftheBaddest #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/btQcCrPJkC

— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) October 29, 2023

Wow come on Francis Ngannou won this fight! ✊🏾🤴🏿 👑

— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) October 28, 2023

Bullshit.

Francis won that fight. I don’t care what anyone says.

People’s champ. All hail. pic.twitter.com/fGpUmvl5Bn

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 28, 2023

Ngannou was robbed! Gotta protect that fight with Usyk 🤷‍♂️ https://t.co/ywk3YqD84a

— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) October 28, 2023

I’m DONE WITH BOXING THE MOST CORRUPT SPORTS IN THE FUCKING WORLD… absolutely bullshit…. That’s way I will never pay a ppv again…. #boxing

— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) October 28, 2023

Francis won the day he signed that contract and again tonight

— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) October 28, 2023

If im Tyson im giving Francis that belt, think it’s a good decision but still, hats off to Francis more than just a puncher

— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) October 28, 2023

So I guess boxing has really bad judges too 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

— Funky (@Benaskren) October 28, 2023

Almost! Never doubt that man again. @francis_ngannou what a beast! #furyvsngannou

— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) October 28, 2023

My next fight is gonna be in the world of boxing. But fuck me it’s one corrupt shambles of a thing. Francis won that fair and square. Either way he won no matter what. Unlucky Fury…
Not a bad fight.
Goodnight.

— DT (@darrentill2) October 28, 2023

But MMA fighters can’t box right ?🤔?
Congratulations @francis_ngannou 🦾 way to represent one hell of a fight 💯

— AJ “The Mercenary” McKee (@ajmckee101) October 28, 2023

Francis!!! Super impressive and you can make the argument of him winning this! Conor pioneered the way for this, and Francis Ngannou busted the gates wide open! This is proof that with the right preparation that the MMA guys can more than hang with the best boxers around. FTR I…

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) October 28, 2023

Proud in the name of all the ufc fighters ! Good job @francis_ngannou !

— Alex “Poatan” Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) October 28, 2023

Tyson fury lost and the boxing commentary biased af dumbasses they need to learn how to box ..

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) October 28, 2023

Against all odds and coming out on TOP‼️
Stepping into the squared circle and going toe to toe with the greatest heavyweight in boxing. My brother @francisngannou …you shook up the WORLD‼️ 🌍 pic.twitter.com/bDcWF4Ysiw

— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) October 29, 2023

An almost perfect display against one of the greatest of all time is something Francis Ngannou could have only dreamed of. Now, all eyes are on the superstar from Cameroon as he prepares to make his next move in combat sports.

Related: Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou Photo Gallery

Talk of potential fights against Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and Dillian Whyte still persists for the 37-year-old, and this may not be the last time we see him compete in boxing.

Before taking on any of those massive challenges, Ngannou has his eyes on making his Professional Fighters League debut early next year. Although no opponent has been approached as of yet, the man himself has given a timeline for his imminent return to the cage.

What did Francis Ngannou have to say now that the dust has settled on his meeting with Tyson Fury?

Francis Ngannou was understandably upset with his defeat but handled it phenomenally in the ring. Showing support for his opponent and announcing that he’s here to challenge himself and possibly take over the sport were the standout moments from his in-ring interview.

Once the dust settled on the heavyweight affair, the knockout artist spoke out on social media and gave his thoughts on the incredibly controversial split-decision result.

Many had believed the former UFC standout had done enough to walk away with the win and Tyson Fury‘s 0, but two of the three judges disagreed with the public. Reacting to the defeat, Ngannou sent shots at the officials and Fury for the outcome.

Tyson should say thank you to those 2 judges because I didn’t win this fight 🙄#FuryvsNgannou #RiyadhSeason

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) October 29, 2023