Dana White Reveals Longstanding Rift with Francis Ngannou: “We’ll Never Be in Business Together Again”

The simmering tension between Francis Ngannou and Dana White has escalated into a public war of words.

White, the UFC CEO, didn’t hold back during a recent interview with MMA Junkie, offering a breakdown of why the UFC and the former heavyweight champion parted ways. The two have exchanged jabs ever since Ngannou left the UFC for the PFL, but White’s latest remarks shed light on a personal dislike that dates back years.

White Claims Ngannou “Didn’t Want the Fight” with Jon Jones

Ngannou’s UFC departure was marked by speculation about a clash with Jon Jones—a matchup fans long desired. However, White insisted Ngannou never wanted to face Jones, accusing the former champ of dodging the fight.

“(Ngannou) didn’t want that fight (with Jones). He could have stayed and taken that fight. He didn’t want it,” White said. “Tom Aspinall deserves that fight.”

Jones, who eventually claimed the vacant title after Ngannou’s exit, is now set to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Aspinall holds the interim belt and is expected to challenge the winner.

Personal Dislike and Broken Business Relationship

Beyond the failed negotiations, White revealed his disdain for Ngannou, saying his feelings toward the fighter soured before Ngannou even captured UFC gold.

“I didn’t like Francis as a person – wasn’t a guy I wanted to do business with,” White admitted. “My boys were telling me he’s misunderstood, and I told them, ‘When somebody shows you who they are, believe them.’”

The UFC boss also suggested Ngannou’s persona isn’t as genuine as it seems, claiming the heavyweight uses language barriers to appear more agreeable than he is. “He plays the good guy – ‘I don’t understand the (English) language’ – but he’s not. He’s just not a guy I wanted to be in business with, period.”

Ngannou’s Career Outside UFC: “PFL Signed a Sh*tty Contract”

Since leaving the UFC, Ngannou’s career has been mixed. He suffered high-profile boxing losses to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, but made an impressive MMA return by quickly finishing Renan Ferreira in his PFL debut.

White took the opportunity to criticize the PFL’s decision to sign Ngannou, calling it a poor investment. “They signed a shtty contract with a guy that doesn’t deliver numbers or pay-per-views,”* White said. “Good for him—not good for them.”

A Bitter History That Predates the UFC Breakup

White revealed that his rocky relationship with Ngannou stretches back to UFC 220 in 2018, where Ngannou fought Miocic for the first time.

“He pulled some sht before the first Stipe fight, and I said, ‘I’m done with this guy.’”* White continued, “After Stipe beat him, we never had a relationship.”

Ngannou went on to suffer a disappointing loss to Derrick Lewis in one of the most lackluster heavyweight fights in UFC history—a fight White still holds against him. “He actually owes me money for making us watch that fight,” White quipped.

No Reconciliation in Sight

Despite the buzz around a potential Ngannou vs. Jones fight, White made it clear that as long as he’s in charge, it won’t happen.

“We’ll never be in business together again. You can tell: We don’t like each other,” White stated. “This goes way back… And I have no sleepless nights over Francis leaving.”

Do you think Dana White’s comments are justified, or is this feud with Francis Ngannou a case of personal grudges interfering with business? Share your thoughts in the comments!