Following Unexpected Releases, Dana White Slams Two Ex-UFC Fighters, Including Francis Ngannou, at UFC 285 Presser in Classic Dana White Style

After MMA fans were subject to a few shocking fighter releases from the UFC roster recently, president Dana White finally provided some much-needed information on the subject. While talking to the media after UFC 285, the 53-year-old answered a few questions about the sudden release of former welterweight Darren Till as well as the much-publicized exit of Francis Ngannou. The UFC president was quite open about his views on both fighters as he shared his personal opinion on the topic.

Although he revealed that he shared a good relationship with Till, the UFC boss clearly did not seem too impressed with the Englishman’s attitude. Despite this, he also covered the idea of ‘Gorilla’ making a comeback in the future. As for Ngannou, he continued to double down on his previous statement that the former heavyweight champ did not want to fight Jon Jones, even claiming that the chances of him making a return were quite slim.

UFC president Dana White talks about Darren Till’s exit from the UFC

Darren Till‘s recent exit from the promotion came as a shock to the MMA community. The 30-year-old was once considered one of the biggest prospects in the sport. His unannounced exit left fans wondering the exact reason behind it. Although Till did release a statement saying that he personally opted out; there were a few more questions that were left unanswered.

Speaking on the subject, Dana White confirmed that the Englishman’s exit was a mutual decision. Although, interestingly, White stated that it was not the first time that he has faced such a scenario.

“Like Darren Till said, we have an incredible relationship with Darren Till. We like him and respect him very much.” He then continued to state that Till was the one who asked for a release, “Darren Till’s not the only guy that’s ever come to us and said ‘I just can’t compete anymore’, you know what I mean and he did ask for his release and we released him.”

Despite also stating that he was open to the former welterweight contender making a return to the promotion, he cast doubts on Till’s capacities with his next statement.

“…we really like him and obviously we wish him the best and if he gets to the level where he thinks he’s ready to come back to the UFC yeah we would probably do it.” stated White, implying that the 30-year-old might just not be a UFC caliber fighter at the moment.

White confirms Francis Ngannou won’t be making a return to the UFC

On the other hand, the UFC president clearly seemed to have made up his mind on Ngannou. Despite being one of the most successful heavyweights in the history of the sport, the Cameroonian, as per White, clearly had no chance of making a return to the promotion.

When asked about a possible fight against newly crowned heavyweight champ Jon Jones, the UFC president immediately shut down the question.

“Done never gonna happen. We tried to make that fight happen with him for three years.”

While slamming ‘The Predator’, he claimed that it was the fighter who did not wish to face ‘Bones’. He also mentioned that he couldn’t do much about it if Ngannou did not want to fight himself. “You gotta want that fight, doesn’t matter. Listen, we all want to see a fight. The guys got to want to fight. Francis doesn’t want to fight. You can’t make him fight and I doubt would have gone any differently.” Stated White.

Read More: Robert Whittaker, Who Won a Razor Close Decision Against Darren Till, Reacts to “Charismatic” Star’s UFC Exit

Ultimately, as the president of the promotion, Dana White clearly has the last say on such topics. But from these responses, fans can clearly make out that having a great relationship with the man himself does help in building a career in the UFC.

What do you think of White’s statement? Should he give another opportunity to Francis Ngannou just like he is willing to do for Darren Till? Let us know in the comment section below.

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