Ngannou set to fight Fury in Saudi Arabia

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will take on WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia on Oct. 28 in a bout with professional boxing rules, the fight’s promoters announced on Tuesday.

Fury was initially scheduled to fight Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, the current IBF, IBO, WBO and WBA champion, in a unification bout but negotiations fell through.

The 34-year-old Fury last fought in December, retaining his WBC belt with a 10th round stoppage of fellow Brit Derek Chisora.

“This guy is supposed to be the hardest puncher in the world, but let’s see how he reacts when he gets hit by the Big GK (Gypsy King). I can’t wait to get back out there under the lights,” Fury said about Ngannou in a statement.

Ngannou vacated his heavyweight belt after a contract dispute with the UFC and left the organization as a free agent in January.

“I’ve been waiting to meet Tyson in the ring for the past three years. My dream was always to box, and to box the best,” Ngannou, 36, said. The desire to get in the boxing ring in the midst of his UFC contract played a part in the Cameroonians contract dispute with the UFC.

“After becoming the undisputed MMA heavyweight champion, this is my opportunity to make that dream come true and cement my position as the baddest man on the planet.”

Ngannou has a 17-3 Mixed Martial Arts record with 12 knockouts and is now signed on with the Professional Fighters League.