Francis Ngannou News
Francis Ngannou responds to Dana White claims about a physical altercation: "We shouldn't have gone this way"
Dylan Bowker - December 10, 2025
Francis Ngannou has since offered up his response to Dana White after the latter made inflammatory claims about the former, which centered on the heavyweight fighter reportedly getting physical with the UFC CEO. Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ngannou responded to a multitude of related questions Helwani had for the standout combat sports athlete regarding those aforementioned recent comments that White made. Helwani referenced the story that White told on the Flagrant podcast, hosted by comedian Andrew Schulz, where White purported that Ngannou grabbed his collar to get a point across regarding a post-fight bonus and a requested jet. The lineal MMA heavyweight champion was not surprised that the UFC figurehead was talking about him putting his hands on him, as well as UFC CBO Hunter Campbell.
Kamaru Usman doesn't believe Dana White's story about Francis Ngannou altercation
Harry Kettle - November 21, 2025
Kamaru Usman isn’t convinced by Dana White saying that Francis Ngannou physically grabbed him once during an altercation. As we know, Dana White and Francis Ngannou do not have the best working relationship. That’s been the case for quite some time now, to the point where it’s hard to picture a world in which ‘The Predator’ makes his return to the promotion as an active competitor.
Dana White says he and Francis Ngannou nearly fought in UFC office at the height of bad blood
Curtis Calhoun - November 18, 2025
UFC CEO Dana White recounted an incident between him and Francis Ngannou at the height of their bad blood. UFC CEO Dana White and former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, once business partners in the promotion, are now distant adversaries. Things between White and Ngannou have grown tense over the past five years, resulting in Ngannou’s release from the UFC in early 2023.
Francis Ngannou shares interesting take on Tom Aspinall's eye poke fiasco at UFC 321
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 10, 2025
Francis Ngannou has weighed in on the UFC 321 controversy involving Tom Aspinall. Aspinall put the UFC Heavyweight Championship at stake against Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi at the end of October. The challenger found success early on, but things took a bad turn before the end of the opening frame.
UFC star questions why Francis Ngannou turned down Jake Paul fight offer
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 5, 2025
One emerging UFC contender is baffled after Francis Ngannou declined a boxing match against Jake Paul. In the midst of a civil suit against Gervonta “Tank” Davis alleging battery and kidnapping, Paul and Most Valuable Promotions is moving on from the planned boxing attraction. Paul’s team reportedly explored several options, including a showdown with Ngannou.
Francis Ngannou "was so confused" by Jake Paul's fight offer: "Don’t disrespect me like that"
Dylan Bowker - November 3, 2025
Francis Ngannou recently weighed in on some recent reports centred on him potentially taking on a fight with Jake Paul in less than two weeks’ time. Gervonta Davis was initially slated to fight Paul and while not formally out, Tank Davis may not make it to the ring for the planned November 14th bout after a recent round of allegations centred on domestic violence came out regarding Davis. Some loose reports regarding possible Davis replacements mentioned former Paul foe Nate Diaz, Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia, and Ngannou himself.
UFC legend scoffs at report claiming Jake Paul vs. Francis Ngannou is being explored
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 3, 2025
A UFC Hall of Famer isn’t buying into the possibility of Jake Paul vs. Francis Ngannou. Paul’s team is reportedly exploring options to replace Gervonta “Tank” Davis for his next opponent. Davis is facing a civil suit alleging domestic battery and kidnapping. Mike Coppinger of Ring Magazine reported that Ngannou is one of the names that has been discussed for a potential showdown with Paul.
"Jon Jones was scared of [Francis] Ngannou", "took the Stipe Miocic exit", per PFL fighter
Dylan Bowker - October 16, 2025
Francis Ngannou received a lot of praise from one of the surging PFL Africa fighters, who he helms over in a chairman role for that PFL branch. Karim Henniene is the fighter in question who touched on this subject ahead of his fight with Boule Godogo at PFL Africa 3 on October 18th. Henniene appeared on MMA Canada to address some of the discussion around Francis Ngannou not being cageside for the last card Henniene competed on. This, despite Ngannou’s role as PFL Africa chairman which created some public friction between Ngannou and the promotion.
Francis Ngannou explains his absence from PFL Africa event
Harry Kettle - August 19, 2025
PFL champion Francis Ngannou has explained why he was absent from the recent PFL Africa event. As we know, PFL Africa was something that Francis Ngannou was pretty excited to be a part of. He’s been eager to help grow mixed martial arts in that part of the world and so, when he didn’t appear at the first few events under that banner, some eyebrows were raised.
Jon Jones gives his thoughts on Francis Ngannou's possible UFC return
Harry Kettle - June 20, 2025
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has given his thoughts on Francis Ngannou possibly returning to the promotion. As we know, Jon Jones has been toying around with the idea of fighting Tom Aspinall for the longest time now. For the most part, it seems as if he doesn’t want to do it – despite the outcry from pretty much everyone in the mixed martial arts community.
Francis Ngannou damaged his legacy after leaving UFC, says former MMA slugger
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 17, 2025
Was Francis Ngannou’s legacy tarnished by his boxing venture? Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC while he was the promotion’s heavyweight champion sparked a debate online. “The Predator” sought out the freedom to box, and it almost led to a victory over future Hall of Famer Tyson Fury. “The Predator” ended up getting knocked out by Anthony Joshua, but he made a substantial amount of money for his boxing matches with “The Gypsy King” and Joshua.
Francis Ngannou praises Kamaru Usman following his UFC Atlanta victory
Harry Kettle - June 16, 2025
Francis Ngannou has praised Kamaru Usman following the latter’s victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. In the main event of UFC Atlanta, Kamaru Usman reminded us all why he’s one of the best welterweights of all time. The former champion dominated Joaquin Buckley through most of their encounter, landing nasty ground and pound after a series of successful takedowns. While Buckley had a strong fifth round, it wasn’t enough to overcome ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ – who seemed to look like himself again.
Francis Ngannou make surprise appearance at UFC Atlanta ceremonial weigh-ins
BJ Penn Staff - June 13, 2025
We may never see Francis Ngannou in the Octagon again, but the heavyweight star returned to the UFC stage in the lead-up to promotion’s Saturday night card in Atlanta, Georgia. Ngannou is the former UFC heavyweight champion. He never actually lost his belt, but instead vacated the title when he parted ways with the promotion in 2023. That means he’s still the lineal MMA heavyweight champion.
Francis Ngannou ‘wants to make himself available’ for possible UFC return, but faces major hurdle
BJ Penn Staff - June 12, 2025
Francis Ngannou probably won’t be returning to the UFC anytime soon. Ngannou is the former UFC heavyweight champion. He never actually lost his belt. Instead, he vacated the title when he parted ways with the promotion in 2023. In other words, he’s still the lineal MMA heavyweight champion.
Jon Jones reacts to Francis Ngannou's possible future UFC return
Harry Kettle - June 7, 2025
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has given his thoughts on Francis Ngannou potentially being interested in a UFC return. As we know, Francis Ngannou is one of the most exciting heavyweight fighters of all time. His incredible power is matched only by his larger than life persona, which has seen him win championships in both UFC and PFL. Of course, when he left the Ultimate Fighting Championship, it certainly seemed as if there was some bad blood between the two parties.
Francis Ngannou coach opens door to UFC return: 'Enough time has passed'
BJ Penn Staff - June 6, 2025
Francis Ngannou could potentially end up fighting for the UFC again, according to his long-time coach. Ngannou is the former UFC heavyweight champion. He never actually lost the belt, instead vacating the title when he parted ways with the promotion in 2023. In other words, he’s still the lineal MMA heavyweight champion.
Joe Rogan only sees one fighter who can rival Alex Pereira's punching power
BJ Penn Staff - April 18, 2025
UFC commentator Joe Rogan is very, very high on Alex Pereira. In recent years, Rogan has frequently praised Pereira on his podcast, as well as during the Brazilian’s fights. He hasn’t been the only one. Pereira has had one of the most legendary careers in combat sports history. He’s the subject of frequent praise from all kinds of fight fans as a result.
Deontay Wilder offers update on long-awaited clash with Francis Ngannou: "Stay tuned!"
Josh Evanoff - April 2, 2025
Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is down for a meeting with Francis Ngannou in the boxing ring. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ hasn’t been seen in action since his clash with Zhilei Zhang last summer in Saudi Arabia. The bout was a must-win for Deontay Wilder, as he entered the bout having suffered three losses in his last four bouts. However, ‘Big Bang’ wound up dominating the former champion. In round five, Zhang landed a thudding right hand to put Wilder down for good. Post-fight, many called for the heavyweight to retire.