Dana White, the president of the UFC, has made serious allegations against former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, claiming that Ngannou once physically assaulted him and another company executive during a meeting. This revelation adds a new layer to the ongoing conflict between the two, which greatly intensified following UFC 270, after Ngannou successfully defended his title against Ciryl Gane and opted not to renew his contract with the UFC.
In various interviews since their separation, White has painted a picture of Ngannou as someone whose public persona does not reflect his true character. He asserted on Andrew Schulz’s “Flagrant” podcast that, contrary to popular belief regarding communication barriers due to Ngannou’s language skills, the fighter’s intentions are quite clear. “Francis Ngannou is a bad guy. He’s not a good guy,” White emphasized, dismissing the idea that any perceived language issues were a factor.
Ngannou’s exit from the UFC was primarily driven by his desire to partake in pro boxing matches while still competing in mixed martial arts, a request the UFC was unwilling to accept. Following his departure, he signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and was able to secure high-profile boxing bouts against prominent fighters like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Reflecting on Ngannou’s past in the organization, White recounted a previous instance from 2018 when he had expressed a desire to cut Ngannou from the UFC roster after a lackluster performance against Stipe Miocic. He explained that during a hallway interaction, Ngannou made a demanding assertion about his future plans post-fight, indicating his confidence in a victory that ultimately did not materialize.
In another anecdote, White detailed an occasion where Ngannou confronted him about not receiving a $50,000 performance bonus, which led to a heated exchange. According to White, Ngannou aggressively grabbed him, prompting White to assertively respond. This incident seemingly showcased a pattern of behavior that White found unsettling.
As Ngannou continues his career with the PFL, where he has also taken on a role as chairman for PFL Africa, his journey remains closely watched. Despite the tensions between White and Ngannou, there is a recognition of Ngannou’s potential and talent within the sport, suggesting that his current path in the PFL could provide him with new opportunities, regardless of their past disputes.
While the allegations from White paint a troubling picture, the situation highlights the complexities of professional relationships in high-stakes sports, where personal and professional dynamics often intertwine. As Ngannou forges ahead in his career, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact his future within the sport.