One of the biggest rivalries in combat sports is undoubtedly between Dana White and Francis Ngannou. Their tension resembles an online feud between fighters without the threat of trading punches. While neither side is willing to back down, UFC veteran Ben Askren believes White should handle the situation more effectively.
In interviews, Dana White recently criticized Francis Ngannou, accusing the former UFC heavyweight of being driven by money. White stated he never liked Ngannou personally and had no desire to work with him. However, Ben Askren stated that White’s comments about his former fighter were unnecessary and uncalled for.
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For all of his great qualities I don’t see why Dana needs to shit on people who are not under the UFC banner. It’s really unnecessary and petty.
Ben Askren via X
There has been a 180-degree shift in White’s attitude towards Ngannou after he departed from the UFC. Previously, White never missed an opportunity to promote Ngannou and his ungodly power. Recently, an old video of White hyping Ngannou over Jon Jones has gone viral. This has highlighted the contrast between his past support and current criticism.
For all of his great qualities I don’t see why Dana needs to shit on people who are not under the UFC banner. It’s really unnecessary and petty. https://t.co/nmUoYLljKa
— Funky (@Benaskren) October 27, 2024
In the last few months, White has frequently mentioned that Francis Ngannou was scared of fighting against Jones. He also claimed that the Cameroonian-French was offered more money to stay in the UFC than his recent contract. To refute this, Ngannou also agreed to show the receipts of his latest fight purse, which was allegedly better than UFC earnings.
Francis Ngannou’s subliminal jibe on his haters
Francis Ngannou’s success after leaving the UFC has been remarkable. He secured a lucrative multi-million dollar contract with the PFL. This also gave him more control over his career, including the option to box. Ngannou surprised many with his strong boxing debut against Tyson Fury and his fight against Anthony Joshua. These two fights reportedly earned him $30 million, more than his UFC career earnings.
Ngannou’s success outside the UFC has proven his marketability. His achievements solidified him as a prominent figure in global combat sports who didn’t let promotion take away his freedom. In a latest tweet, the heavyweight fighter shared a strong message to his haters.
Freedom isn’t free, but remember that the benefits always outweigh the price. Don’t let the bully talk you out of it.
Francis Ngannou via X
Freedom isn’t free, but remember that the benefits always outweigh the price. Don’t let the bully talk you out of it.#Stayfocused 😉💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/D4FxmEZrug
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) October 25, 2024
Ngannou recently made his PFL debut and secured a TKO victory despite a two-year hiatus from MMA. The fighter dedicated this victory to his late son Kobe, who unfortunately passed away earlier this year. Irrespective of Dana White’s comments, many fans believe that leaving UFC was the best decision for Ngannou.
