Ben Askren empathizes with Francis Ngannou‘s situation, as both have experienced public criticism from UFC CEO Dana White after leaving the promotion, with Askren recounting similar treatment and misinformation spread about him during his career.
Ben Askren gets it. He knows exactly what Francis Ngannou’s going through.
Earlier this month, Ngannou made quite the entrance with his PFL debut. He knocked out Renan Ferreira at PFL Superfights: Battle of the Giants. It was his first MMA fight since he left the UFC last year.
Ngannou’s return stirred up chatter about his UFC departure. This led to Dana White, UFC’s CEO, launching a verbal assault on him. White claimed Ngannou is “full of shit” and left because he didn’t want to face Jon Jones. A character assassination? Askren’s been there.
“Dana spent years lying,” Askren shared on his YouTube show with Daniel Cormier. “He said I avoided challenges, which was so far from the truth.” Slanderous words from White, who just couldn’t get what he wanted.
Askren believes White wants successful fighters hidden away if they don’t play ball. He mentioned others like Cris Cyborg and Randy Couture facing similar treatment. It’s like a pattern—White doesn’t get his way, so he trashes people. And folks believe him because he usually speaks truthfully.
“For years, I dealt with Dana’s lies,” Askren lamented. Lies that were harmful and baseless.
Askren was a champ in Bellator and ONE Championship, considered among the best outside the UFC. In 2019, he joined the UFC after being traded for Demetrious Johnson. Initially, things seemed rosy between him and White.
Sadly, Askren’s UFC stint was brief. Injuries plagued his run, ending with a 1-2 record before retiring that year. Now? No relationship with White whatsoever.
“I don’t see Dana,” Askren admitted. “Since retiring, our paths just don’t cross. I’m not in that world anymore; I do my own thing.”