Francis Ngannou’s Exit from the UFC and Relationship with Dana White
By the time Francis Ngannou had left the UFC and joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL), his relationship with Dana White seemed to have been completely broken down. The two men had been exchanging passive aggressive comments in the media for months, and rarely trying to settle any issues in private.
Dana White’s Comments on Francis Ngannou
At the UFC 285 press conference, White was asked if Ngannou might ever make a return to the UFC. He responded, “No. We negotiated with him for years. It’s over. That’s over. He’ll never be in the UFC again. I never say never, but I’ll give you a never on that one. We tried.”
White’s Changed Opinion on Ngannou
After Ngannou’s fight with Tyson Fury, it appears White is no longer looking to discredit him. During an appearance on Donald Trump Jr.’s podcast, he stated, “Francis Ngannou is a great big heavyweight. He’s a very talented guy. He’s a nice guy, too. I like him a lot.”
Conclusion
It appears that the relationship between Francis Ngannou and Dana White has improved, as White has changed his opinion of the fighter. Although Ngannou will not be returning to the UFC, White has expressed respect for the fighter and his talents.
