The tension between Dana White and Francis Ngannou seems to be escalating. The UFC president recently trashed Ngannou’s PFL deal and said he was not a risk-taker. Now, the Cameroonian has responded to his former boss and did not mince words about anything. Francis Ngannou left the UFC in a surprising move earlier this year. The 36-year-old fulfilled his contract and vacated the belt. His departure was the culmination of months of failed negotiations.
Despite doubts from all directions, the former UFC champion landed himself a landmark deal with PFL. However, it did not impress his former employer. White recently stated during a press conference that the deal did not make sense to him. Furthermore, he said Ngannou did not want to take a risk by fighting Jon Jones. White also blamed Ngannou for his inactivity. In short, he trashed his former fighter and his new deal with the PFL. Now, ‘The Predator’ has responded to Dana White.
Francis Ngannou responds to Dana White’s criticisms
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‘The Predator’ took to Twitter to address White’s claims that he made during the UFC Vegas 73 post-fight press conference. The 36-year-old had arguments of his own to counter White’s claims, and he numbered them one after the other.
Ngannou wrote, “What is your problem with me? 1. I completed my contract, was a free agent, and chose to walk away. you didn’t release me 2. I hate taking risks? that’s why I defended my title to fulfill my contract with no acl or mcl?”
What is your problem with me?
1. I completed my contract, was a free agent, and chose to walk away. you didn’t release me
2. I hate taking risks? that’s why I defended my title to fulfill my contract with no acl or mcl?
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023
White had also criticized his inactivity, citing he only fought three times in his last three years at the UFC. Nagnnou responded, saying, “The reason I fought three times in three years is because you wanted to control my deal and signs a new one. And freeze me out…”
3. The reason I fought three times in three years is because you wanted to control my deal and signs a new one. And freeze me out. “I owe these guys three fights a year.” Isn’t that what you say? What happened? I always asked for & never said no to any fight in the 3 years
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023
Finally, the former UFC heavyweight champion posed a question for White regarding his reaction to the PFL deal. Ngannou wrote, “I’m finally getting paid and respected, and have a deal that’s fair and equal for all parties. Why are you so against me being free and happy?”
I’m finally getting paid and respected, and have a deal that’s fair and equal for all parties. Why are you so against me being free and happy?
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023
It seems like the UFC President’s claims really struck a nerve.
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Ngannou left the UFC after lengthy negotiations with the promotion did not work. He was outspoken about the issues he was facing and did not mince his words, even when he was under contract with the UFC.
Now that you’ve heard the arguments from both sides, who do you think is right? Do you agree with White’s claims or Ngannou’s new revelations? What are your thoughts on the PFL deal?
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Let us know in the comments below.