At this point, it’s no secret that UFC chairman Dana White and former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou are not in each other’s good books. A fact that the two men prove time and time again through their words and actions. Although athletes having rifts with promoters is neither new nor exclusive to MMA, this one stands out due to the sheer clout it has received.

Making his UFC debut way back in 2015, Francis Ngannou became an instant hit with the MMA crowd, all thanks to his highlight-worthy brutal knockouts, which the Cameroonian started to score from day one. There are few things in MMA that fans enjoy more than a finish, and Dana White knew he had a star budding up. In fact, it was he who introduced the world to the fact that Ngannou hits like a Ford Escort. So what went wrong between them?

Once a hotshot for Dana White, Francis Ngannou left the promotion in his prime

Earlier this year, Francis Ngannou shocked the MMA world with news of his departure from the UFC. This was truly unexpected, as the ‘Predator’ was then at the pinnacle of his UFC career with the heavyweight gold wrapped around his waist. Moreover, his potential super fight with Jon Jones at UFC 285 was just weeks away. The matchup was highly anticipated, with both men making some big claims.

Trending

“Colby Called the Cops” – Ryan Garcia Teaching Covington His Boxing Secrets Leaves Combat World in Splits

April 28, 2024 07:49 AM EDT

Sad Truth Behind Mike Tyson’s Rumored $20 Million Purse Against Jake Paul Revealed by Colby Covington

April 29, 2024 09:02 AM EDT

“Rest in Peace” – Anthony Joshua Joins Conor McGregor and UFC World to Mourn the Demise of Francis Ngannou’s Baby Son

April 30, 2024 05:11 AM EDT

“I Am So Sorry to Hear of Your Loss Francis” – Conor McGregor Consoles Francis Ngannou as Ex-UFC HW Mourns Heartbreaking Loss

April 29, 2024 08:28 PM EDT

How Much of BKFC Does Conor McGregor Own? All We Know About the UFC Star’s Deal With David Feldman’s Promotion

April 28, 2024 11:53 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, the fight went up in flames after the UFC and Ngannou decided to part ways. According to many, the reason for this departure was his pay, something that he had been complaining about for a while. But in one of his many YouTube appearances, the fighter opened up on the matter. If Ngannou is to be believed, pay wasn’t the only reason that compelled him to make this decision.

Francis Ngannou, Yoel Romero, and Edson Barboza Chosen Amongst UFC Greats by Team Conor McGregor for One Aspect (Exclusive)

In fact, according to Ngannou, the UFC’s restrictive contract, which compromised his ‘freedom’ to venture into other sports, had a big part to play in this. All set to make his much-anticipated pro-boxing debut against Tyson Fury, the heavyweight has always been vocal about his multi-sports ambitions. However, Dana White and the company weren’t too supportive of these goals, leading to the much-famed split which might be permanent.

No possible return for ‘The Predator,’ according to the UFC CEO

Fighters parting ways with the UFC is quite common, but so is their return. Chael Sonnen, Nick Diaz, and many other fighters have done it. But according to Dana White, that possibly might not happen. White said about the chances of Ngannou’s return: “No. We negotiated with him for years.”

Team Khabib Lays Out P4P Demands for Islam Makhachev to Dethrone Jon Jones After LW Champ’s Dominant Finish of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294

Recently, the promotion omitted a T-shirt worn by Ngannou’s name from his friend Kamaru Usman‘s T-shirt. The former champion was wearing this during the promotional video of the recently concluded UFC 294. This shows how far things have fallen apart. Bad news for anyone who wishes to see ‘Predator’ inside the octagon.