MMA: New Open War between Francis Ngannou and Dana White
A Collaboration That Seems Definitively Over
The relationship between former UFC champion Francis Ngannou and UFC president Dana White is increasingly strained. The rift between them continues to widen, and White has rekindled the controversy by rekindling the clash with Ngannou, now a boxer in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Francis Ngannou and the UFC: An Inevitable Breakup
From Headliner to UFC Exit
UFC icon and two-time heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou left the organization after his title shot against Cyril Gane in January 2022. The departure, which was motivated by internal disputes and financial disagreements, led to a definitive breakup with Dana White.
Reminder of Conflicts
Ngannou’s UFC career was highlighted by a victory in March 2021 against Stipe Miocic, winning his first heavyweight title. In January 2022, he confirmed his supremacy against Cyril Gane. However, a year after this victory, he announced his departure from the UFC, deploring internal tensions and compensation that he considered unfair.
In an interview with the MMA Hour podcast , Ngannou explained his decision:
“I made my decision based on my principles. (…) In the UFC, I felt like I got slapped with money. (…) At this point, health insurance for me is not an issue, but what about the guys down there?”
PFL Signature and New Challenges
In May 2023, Ngannou joined the PFL with a historic contract, marking a decisive step in his career outside of the UFC. The boxer took up boxing and faced Tyson Fury on October 28, 2023 in Riyadh, then Anthony Joshua on March 8, 2024. Despite two losses, Ngannou said those fights earned him more than his entire UFC career.
Conclusion: A Break That Marks a New Beginning
Francis Ngannou’s split from the UFC is a reflection of the tensions that can exist between athletes and organizations in MMA. Ngannou, by joining the PFL and exploring boxing, appears to have found a new financial and personal balance. His determination to stand up for his values and ensure better conditions for his peers in the sport now resonates beyond the UFC, and suggests a promising new phase for his career.
