Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has taken aim at UFC CEO Dana White for failing to greenlight a blockbuster showdown with a heavyweight icon, who is one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. The fighter in question is none other than the reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones. During Jones’ hiatus, Ngannou dominated the heavyweight division, making his fights look effortless. However, by the time Jones returned to the Octagon, Ngannou had already left the UFC for the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
The dream matchup between the two titans never materialized, leaving fans disappointed. Now, Ngannou has pointed fingers at White, accusing him of sabotaging the fight. Here’s what the Cameroonian powerhouse had to say.
Francis Ngannou’s accusation: Dana White blocked the fight of the century
Francis Ngannou didn’t mince words when discussing the failed negotiations for a Jon Jones superfight. In a recent interview with Sportsbook Review, the PFL heavyweight champion revealed his frustration with Dana White, calling the UFC boss a “massive obstacle” in making the fight happen.
“I think it's something that could potentially happen,” Ngannou said. “If you can get past Dana White, it could happen [but] that's a massive obstacle. Personally, I don't care. I'm doing well. I'm doing my stuff at my pace. I don't care. That won't change my sleep for me.”
Ngannou’s comments highlight a years-long saga. The Cameroonian knockout artist revealed he had been pushing for a Jones fight since 2020, shortly after his victory over Jairzinho Rozenstruik. However, he claims the UFC dangled the matchup as bait to keep him under contract.
“[Finishing my career without fighting Jon Jones] would be okay,” Ngannou added. “I have tried to fight Jon Jones for four years since I fought Jairzinho Rozenstruik back in 2020. I've been trying to fight Jon Jones, and then they were holding it out like a trap until the moment that I was about to leave, and then they said, ‘Okay, here’s the Jon Jones fight.’ But it was bait. I felt they were very tricky.”
The missed opportunity
The fight between Francis Ngannou and Jones was one of the most anticipated matchups in UFC history. Ngannou’s raw power and Jones’ technical brilliance promised a clash for the ages. However, with Ngannou now in the PFL and Jones defending his UFC heavyweight title, the dream seems all but dead—unless Saudi boxing advisor Turki Alalshikh, known for making impossible fights happen, steps in.
What’s next for Ngannou?
Despite the disappointment, Ngannou remains unfazed. After leaving the UFC, he secured lucrative boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua while reigning as PFL’s heavyweight champion. For Ngannou, the Jones fight is no longer a priority. “I’m doing my stuff at my pace,” he reiterated, signaling his focus on carving his own path outside the UFC.
Francis Ngannou’s fiery remarks underscore the complexities of fight negotiations in combat sports. While a showdown with Jon Jones may remain a “what if,” Ngannou’s career continues to thrive on his own terms. As for Dana White, the accusations add another layer to his contentious relationship with one of MMA’s most formidable stars.