Francis Ngannou has challenged Anthony Joshua to a mixed rules MMA fight as the former UFC champion targets more bouts against the very best heavyweight boxers.

He recently made his boing debut, facing heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury in a megabout in Saudi Arabia and now wants to continue fighting against the biggest names in boxings heavyweight division.

Former title holder, Joshua, is the latest big name to be called out by Ngannou – who lost to Fury via a split decision – while he has also named Deontay Wilder as another potential opponent.

Joshua is currently preparing for his upcoming heavyweight fight against Otto Wallin, with him set to fight Wilder next if he wins that bout, however, a huge payout fighting against Ngannou could be a tempting distraction.

Francis Ngannou has challenged Anthony Joshua to a mixed rules MMA fight

Joshua is currently training for his upcoming heavyweight boxing bout against Otto Wallin

Speaking about his ambitions to take on Joshua, Ngannou told the Club Shay Shay podcast: ‘Anything that he wants. Ring or octagon. The good thing is I’m the one that can go everywhere comfortably. 

‘My comfort zone will be the octagon, but I’m going to the ring and putting them in a bad spot in the ring.’  

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‘I have my territory [in MMA] where they cannot mess with me. If they come, they will need something like some favour, like, ‘I’ll give you this, we’ll take kicks out.

Ngannou previously floored heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury on his professional boxing debut

Ngannou is keen to continue fighting against heavyweight boxers after impressing against Fury

‘I have to give him something, but when we step in the ring, they don’t give me anything and I still get them in trouble,’ he added.

The call for Joshua to cross over into Ngannou’s more familiar octagon is unexpected to happen, with the Englishman fully focused on reclaiming the world heavyweight title.

But, Ngannou isn’t shored of confidence as he further added: ‘Even Tyson Fury said the same thing and Tyson Fury is better than Anthony Joshua,’ Ngannou added.

‘What do I care about what people say? I’ve been in this game for so long. I’ve seen so much. I’ve heard so much what people intend to do. There’s a difference between wanting to do and be able to do.’