Francis Ngannou Fires Back at Dana White Following Recent Criticism

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and UFC CEO Dana White have reignited their long-running public dispute regarding Ngannou's departure from the promotion. The two have engaged in an on-and-off feud since 2023, when Ngannou fought out his contract and parted ways with the UFC as reigning heavyweight champion after failing to reach an agreement on a renewal.

The conflict resurfaced after White launched fresh criticism at the former champion, labeling Ngannou "a bad guy" and reiterating his stance on their past contract negotiations. According to White, the UFC presented Ngannou with an unprecedented financial offer before he chose to test free agency.

"We offered Francis a deal that would have made him the highest paid heavyweight in the history of the [company]," White said. "More than [Brock] Lesnar, more than anybody, and he turned the deal down. We get to this point where I’ve told you guys before, if you don’t want to be here, you don’t have to be here."

Ngannou responded to the promoter's latest remarks by telling White that "you have to take that loss." Since walking away from the UFC, Ngannou signed with the PFL and resumed his MMA career, picking up a stoppage victory over Renan Ferreira in the promotion before going on to knock out Philipe Lins.