Dana White shuts down Francis Ngannou returning to UFC, Ngannou responds

Tom Aspinall might have opponents now that Jon Jones is retired however don’t anticipate him to get matched up with Francis Ngannou any time quickly.

Following information that Jones was retired from the game with Aspinall being promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion, UFC CEO Dana White was requested about the potential for bringing Ngannou again to the promotion. Whereas your entire dialog about Ngannou probably returning to the UFC got here from a casual remark from Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick, White nonetheless shot down his curiosity in pursuing “The Predator” even when he was occupied with coming again.

“One factor I’ve realized over time about Francis — Francis doesn’t at all times imply what he says publicly,” White stated on the UFC Baku post-fight press convention. “What he says behind the scenes are totally different than what he says publicly.

“I’m not an enormous fan. I might be shocked if Francis ever got here again right here on a number of totally different ranges. I’m not a fan and he doesn’t at all times imply what he says publicly.”

The very public cut up between Ngannou and the UFC got here after he turned heavyweight champion after which defended his title towards Ciryl Gane however then he was compelled out of motion for the higher a part of the following 12 months whereas recovering from knee surgical procedure.

The Gane combat additionally served as the ultimate bout on Ngannou’s contract, and he was by no means capable of come to phrases with the UFC on a brand new deal.

The largest sticking level for Ngannou was his want to pursue crossover fights in boxing after he engaged in a really public spat with then heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. There have been different points that Ngannou had concerning a brand new take care of the UFC however he was primarily making an attempt to take care of extra management over his future with out as many contract restrictions.

Ultimately, the 2 sides cut up up with Ngannou finally signing with PFL on a profitable, multi-fight deal. He additionally obtained his want to check out boxing with Ngannou shedding a razor shut determination when he lastly obtained into the ring with Fury however then he suffered a brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in his second bout.

Ngannou stays beneath contract with the PFL so his availability to return to the UFC appears extremely unlikely it doesn’t matter what’s been stated publicly.

Both manner, White doesn’t appear occupied with extending any type of olive department, and he’s prepared to maneuver ahead with the UFC heavyweight division because it stands with Aspinall as champion.

Ngannou responded to the most recent rumors on X on Saturday night time.