Francis Ngannou dismissed any concern for Dana White’s opinions. Their past is checkered with controversy, notably when Ngannou highlighted the pay disparity between UFC fighters and boxers. His switch to boxing seemed to prove his point when he took home a massive paycheck of about $10 million after his previous fight, an amount more than double his total earnings in the UFC.
Despite this, Dana White praised Ngannou’s boxing debut. The former UFC champion stood toe-to-toe with Tyson Fury, showcasing impressive skill. His performance nearly upset the boxing titan, signaling Ngannou’s successful crossover. Yet, Ngannou’s sharp retort to White underscores a deep-seated rift. What did Ngannou say?
Francis Ngannou is in his redemption arc!
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At the heart of the controversy, Francis Ngannou’s stance towards Dana White remains unequivocally firm. During an interview with Radio Rahim of Seconds Out, Ngannou’s disinterest in White’s approval was crystal clear. “Do you think that Dana White will give you credit now for having known your worth and been able to cash in on your talents?” Radio Rahim asked Ngannou after his open workout in Riyadh.
Ngannou’s reply was sharp and dismissive, stating bluntly, “I don’t give a sh*t about what Dana White thinks. That’s his problem.” Meanwhile, Ngannou is gearing up for another monumental challenge. He is set to face Anthony Joshua in a clash of titans, scheduled for March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. But what praise did Dana have for Ngannou after his Tyson Fury match?
Words of praise from Dana White
Transitioning from the UFC to the boxing ring, Francis Ngannou’s display against Tyson Fury captured significant attention, not least from Dana White. The former UFC boss, despite their past disputes, expressed astonishment at Ngannou’s boxing endeavor. Facing the towering figure of Fury, Ngannou managed not just to compete but to challenge the boxing heavyweight over an intense ten rounds. White, reflecting on this, admitted, “The fact that he went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury is crazy. He just went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury. Conor (McGregor) made it nine or 10 with Floyd. Anthony Pettis just beat Roy Jones Jr. It’s crazy. I didn’t see the fight, but the fact that he went 10 rounds is unbelievable.”
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This acknowledgment, coming from a figure with a complex history with Ngannou, underscores the unexpected yet impressive nature of Ngannou’s performance. His foray into boxing was not merely a test but a proclamation of his formidable athletic prowess, marking a significant chapter in his evolving combat sports legacy.
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What does this signify for the future of athletes like Ngannou who dare to transcend the conventional boundaries of their sport? Will this inspire other fighters to venture into new arenas, or will it stand as a unique testament to Ngannou’s unparalleled ambition and talent?
Read more: Francis Ngannou Will Get ‘Smashed’ by Anatoly Malykhin, Is What ONE Boss Chatri Sityodtong Claims