Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has broken his silence on the highly publicised breakdown of his relationship with the promotion and its president, Dana White. In a candid reflection, ‘The Predator’ expressed regret over how his historic tenure ended, amidst reports of a heated confrontation and ongoing tension.
“It’s disappointing,” Ngannou stated regarding the fallout. “It didn’t have to get there. It didn’t have to be that way.” His comments follow UFC President Dana White’s recent revelation of a physical altercation between the two during a meeting last month, a claim Ngannou has chosen not to publicly dispute.
A Fractured Exit, Not a Sudden Split
Contrary to the perception of a sudden breakup, Ngannou clarified that his UFC departure in 2023 was the culmination of prolonged frustrations and communication issues. The split marked the end of a turbulent saga centred on fighter pay, contract terms, and athlete freedoms.
When asked about the alleged confrontation with White, Ngannou deferred. “I think those questions are for Dana,” he said, opting not to fuel a public spat. This stance highlights his desire to move past the conflict, even as the story continues to capture fan interest.
The Dream Fights: Jones in MMA, Wilder in Boxing
Now looking forward, Ngannou’s fighting future is a major talking point. With his boxing and PFL ventures underway, he outlined his ideal matchups across two sports.
In MMA, the fight everyone still wants to see is against the legendary Jon Jones. “The Jon Jones fight is the fight to make,” Ngannou affirmed, though he acknowledged the significant hurdles, including Jones’s own injury status and uncertain UFC future. In the boxing ring, his top target remains feared puncher Deontay Wilder.
An Imminent Return to MMA
Despite his successful foray into boxing, Ngannou confirmed his next move will be a return to mixed martial arts. His PFL contract is nearing its end, and while no specific opponent is locked in, he is eager to get back into the SmartCage.
“I’m looking to return to MMA soon,” he confirmed, putting to rest any speculation of a permanent switch to boxing. For fans, this means the terrifying power of ‘The Predator’ will soon be back on display in the sport where he first became a global star, even as the shadow of his unfinished UFC business lingers.
