Francis Ngannou cools the talk of Tyson Fury fight by revealing he could make a stunning UFC return following December’s surgery

UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou could make a sensational return to the Octagon in December.

The Cameroon-born Frenchman, 34, was expected to remain on the sidelines until early 2023 after undergoing knee surgery two months after his UFC 270 win over Ciryl Gane.

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But The Predator – who has undergone extensive rehab – has hinted a return to the cage could come sooner than originally expected.

He told TMZ, “It’s getting better. It was pretty good. It wasn’t easy, but we’re getting there.

“It’s only been 3 months so yes I’m still doing physical therapy. If all goes well I will be done by the end of the year because it will be nine months.

“So let’s say late December or early next year.”

Ngannou’s contract with the premier promotion of mixed martial arts expires in the summer and attempts by the UFC to tie him to a new contract have failed.

Ngannou has refused to sign a new contract unless it includes a boxing match with unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

But the prospect of a hybrid boxing match with The Gypsy King no longer seems to be at the forefront of the knockout artist’s mind.

When asked about a possible opponent, he said: “You know, now let’s fight for the situation and fix everything.

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“And then when I’m about to come back, we’ll see where the scenery is because a lot of things can happen.”

Although Ngannou is still adamant about a contract extension, UFC President Dana White refuses to rule out the possibility of both parties reaching an agreement.

The veteran promoter told The Underground: “It’s like always, there’s no lost cause.

“It’s all business and we’ll see how it plays out.

“We just got Francis with the knee, we’re waiting for it and will see how long that will take.”

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