Francis Ngannou responds to Dana White’s remarks at UFC Vegas 67, speaks out over financial concerns are not main reason leaving the organization

Francis Ngannou has finally addressed the public for the first time since leaving the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and his comments shed light on many of the reasons why he and Dana White were ultimately unable to reach an agreement.

This weekend, mixed martial arts fans were buzzing about the news that current heavyweight champion Francis had parted ways with the UFC after a tenure of seven years with the promotion. After having competed in the octagon for the promotion a total of 14 times and winning 12 of those bouts, the fighter has decided to leave.

Fans were curious to know the real reason why Ngannou is leaving the UFC; however, Francis disagreed with Dana White’s assertion that he wanted to fight “lesser competition for more money” in an interview with MMA journalist Ariel Helwani.

“Dana is Dana. I don’t care about what he said. And Dana cannot hurt me. Saying things cannot hurt me. From where I come from, I have heard a lot worse than that. And yet, I’m still here…I think what he was expressing was his frustration. Because it doesn’t matter what he said. Regardless, he’s upset. He’s not happy about this situation.” said Francis.

However, Ngannou, who is widely regarded as the most terrifying fighter in the history of the UFC, has absolutely no regret about departing from the promotion in which he had invested so much over the course of the previous seven years.

“I really hoped for this to work out. I really wished that we could find a way to work (it) out. I’ve been in the UFC (for) the past seven years, and I always (saw) myself in the UFC. I never really envisioned myself out of the UFC. And when it came to this point — because at first, it was just a matter of principle. It wasn’t even an idea of leaving the UFC.” said Ngannou.

The 36 years old fighter, further specified that the reason he is withdrawing from the promotion has nothing to do with money. Despite the fact that there have been rumors to the contrary, he strongly denied them. Also, how the UFC would never reveal what they offered him or the reasons why they were unable to come to an agreement with him. 

“They just talk about the money that they (offered) me that could’ve made me the biggest-paid heavyweight in history, which is how much? They can’t tell. Biggest than who? Nobody knows what (anybody) gets. So it’s all their narrative. They control that narrative which cannot be proven. So I don’t believe that, but I wish it could’ve worked. I really do, and I really wanted (it to), but not at any cost.” Ngannou added.

“They said (they) don’t do business like that. They said, yes, I can pay my health insurance and all that. I’m like, ‘Yes, I can pay my health insurance. At this point, health insurance, for me, is not a problem. But how about those guys (who) are still at the bottom (making) $10,000 + $10,000 or (lose) a fight (and) make $10,000? They can’t really afford that health insurance.’ And I have been there, so it’s something that I still carry in my heart.” Ngannou further added.

The Predator prevailed against a number of notable fighters, including Stipe Miocic, Cain Velasquez, Ciryl Gane, Curtis Blaydes (x2), Junior dos Santos, and Alistair Overeem.

 

Khandaker Muntasir

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As a passionate UFC enthusiast, Khandaker Muntasir Hossain provides coverage of MMA, wrestling, and boxing on multiple platforms. With his deep knowledge of sports, he immerses readers in the excitement of various arenas, whether it's the octagon, squared circle, pitch, court, or ring. Through his writing and love for sports, he aims to motivate others to explore their own sporting interests and experience the magic that sports bring.

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