CRISTIANO RONALDO has been tipped to become a fighter by Francis Ngannou. The MMA legend held the UFC heavyweight world title before switching to boxing. Ngannou went up against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia over the last two years, which led to him rubbing shoulders with Al-Nassr star Ronaldo. They are now close friends and Ngannou told Sportsbook Review that CR7, 40, has what it takes to step into the ring once he hangs up his boots.
![[Cristiano Ronaldo in Al Nassr uniform.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cristiano-ronaldo-al-nassr-looks-968992351_1cf297.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
He said: "[Ronaldo] loves combat sports. I think Cristiano is the kind of guy that maybe when he was younger you could have said doesn't have the attributes to be a player. "But he's such a hard-worker, disciplined and focused on what he wants. "I think he has the attribute that you need to become a fighter. Dedication and discipline. "We have a very good relationship. I went to Saudi for the first time two years ago and I had the opportunity to meet Cristiano.
![[Francis Ngannou of Cameroon holding the PFL Heavyweight World Championship belt and the Cameroonian flag after a victory.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/francis-ngannou-cameroon-defeats-renan-942235762.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"He was in the pool with his family and we were there for like 45 minutes just chatting next to the pool and stuff - it just felt very genuine. "We looked like people that knew each other for a very long time but it was the very first time. It was one of those times you have to pinch yourself. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS. "From then we picked it up on DM’s on Instagram and then he asked for my number.".
![[Cristiano Ronaldo and Francis Ngannou facing each other in a boxing stance.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3f020c54-00f5-4365-bafe-4ff95f6b341e.jpg?strip=all&w=591)
Ngannou loves football just as much as Ronaldo enjoys watching MMA and boxing, with the Cameroonian recently getting the VIP treatment at Al-Nassr and Manchester United games. He joined compatriot Andre Onana on the pitch after their Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt earlier this season and was spotted play-fighting with the goalkeeper. On what the future holds for Ngannou, he said: "I will do boxing next. I’m not done with boxing.
