Francis Ngannou is still planning to take to the boxing ring after an impressive win over Cyril Gane at UFC 270 on Saturday night.
The reigning heavyweight champion won by unanimous decision after using more of his wrestling talents than he is usually known for, and praised his opponent.
“I knew he was gonna be a tough opponent, no doubt, I know him,” he said after the fight.
“He was very, very good. The only thing I had to do was stay composed, don’t chase him, trust yourself.”
Ngannou explained he had come into the fight injured: “Three weeks ago I hurt my knee, tore my MCL completely, but couldn’t see myself retreat from this fight, because it was a moment for me to make a statement.
“You guys may sleep on me, but I put in work every day.”
When he was asked about the possibility of boxing professionally after months of speculation that he will one day meet up with WBC champion Tyson Fury, Ngannou refused to rule it out.
“Boxing is always in the back of my pocket. It’s something I must do before the end of my career,” he said.