Here is the Thursday edition of MMA Rumors. Set to be discussed is a return of Molly McCann, Francis Ngannou’s next step in either boxing or MMA, and a unique run-in between fighters in Abu Dhabi.
Molly McCann is 6-5 in the UFC and has lost two in a row in one-sided fashion. A return for her will be a critical one as the once-hyped prospect looks to prove she can hang with the elite at flyweight. Francis Ngannou is using his big “win” over the weekend to earn another massive showdown with Deontay Wilder next year. To wrap it all up two former opponents met up on accident in Abu Dhabi with one having a fight on the card.
Molly McCann Set for Return
Rumor: Molly McCann teased on social media that she is set for a return at women’s strawweight after losing two straight bouts.
Molly McCann has her first strawweight booked! pic.twitter.com/UITYVSITtz
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) November 1, 2023
Analysis: Molly McCann can still be something to handle in terms of the women’s strawweight division. The division has seen that they are open for movement up and down the rankings, getting a win could quickly see her become ranked again and allow her to move up quickly and by the end of 2024 we are discussing a title shot.
Ngannou, Wilder in 2024?
Rumor: Francis Ngannou is targeting both a boxing and MMA bout with former WBC boxing champion Deontay Wilder.
Francis Ngannou says Deontay Wilder has "been training MMA" and that fight has been discussed 👀 #TheMMAHour
▶️ https://t.co/29tcNQ84pn pic.twitter.com/tk5kdh0tHp
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 30, 2023
Analysis: an MMA bout would be a disaster for Wilder, a boxing bout however between the two hardest hitters in combat sports would be a spectacle. These two would literally be throwing the weight of the world behind every punch and would be a must-watch for fans. I think we see a boxing match before we see an MMA bout and that is more than okay.
Masvidal Tells on Usman
Rumor: Jorge Masvidal says he ran into Kamaru Usman at a club in Abu Dhabi the night before his bout with Khamzat Chimaev. Believes he could get a win with more time to prepare.
Analysis: It was clear to anyone who was watching the bout between Usman and Chimaev that had that gone two more rounds Usman had a chance. After a full training camp, Kamaru Usman is still one of the best fighters on the planet and will be a wrecking ball at middleweight if he makes the full-time move.
