Francis Ngannou dismissed Dana White’s criticisms, asserting that he left the UFC to pursue better opportunities and freedom, while White claims Ngannou departed to avoid fighting Jon Jones and argues he would have earned more by staying.
Francis Ngannou chuckled at Dana White’s remarks about him. The former UFC heavyweight champ, now with PFL, was a hot topic during White’s post-fight chat after the Power Slap event. Asked about Ngannou’s swift KO of Renan Ferreira at PFL Battle of the Giants, White took a jab at PFL founder Donn Davis and claimed he wanted to cut Ngannou years ago.
“The Predator” had his say on Sirius XM Fight Nation. “I think Dana’s trying to make things up to buy good faith in the position he has lost,” Ngannou said. “Dana has lost in this situation… and he cannot stand it. Bro, I won everything: I left.”
Ngannou continued, reflecting on his journey. “We’ve been apart almost two years and the guy is still out there, he can’t live without it, and hounding me. Regardless of what happened, I’m not about him.” He seemed baffled by White’s fixation.
“I went out there, did a fight, had a good fight for my son’s memory,” Ngannou added. “But the guy can’t stand… I don’t know what his problem is.” He suggested White needed inner peace.
“You could’ve just said, ‘We couldn’t find an agreement,’” Ngannou mused. “Good luck to him. That’s it.” He pondered why White couldn’t move on. “What’s the problem here?”
Ngannou believes White can’t handle losing him. “I’m sure he’s been praying for my downfall,” he speculated. Yet, Ngannou keeps rising post-UFC.
“Freedom isn’t free,” Ngannou tweeted, offering advice against bullies. “Remember that the benefits always outweigh the price.”
In another tweet, he accused White of manipulating narratives. Meanwhile, White alleged Ngannou left UFC for easier fights and more money.
White said, “Francis is all about the money.” He claimed Ngannou feared fighting Jon Jones would hurt his earnings potential.
White also revealed plans to cut Ngannou after two losses but was talked out of it. He insisted Ngannou would’ve made more money staying in UFC.
Ngannou disagrees entirely. After winning the UFC heavyweight title with a knockout of Stipe Miocic and defending it against Ciryl Gane, he entered free agency.
“Which money is he talking about?” Ngannou questioned. He mentioned unpaid dues from past fights.
Ngannou claims he’s earning twice what he could have in UFC now. “If I had made less money… that’s my problem,” he remarked. “Why is he so pissed about me not making that much money? Like, c’mon man, live your life.”