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Dana White Says ‘I’m Not a Fan’ of Francis Ngannou and ‘Would Be Shocked If He Ever Came Back’ — Ngannou Responds ‘Did I Say I’m Ever Coming Back’

Dana White questions Francis Ngannou’s public statements and says he’d be surprised to see him return to the UFC, prompting a sharp response from Ngannou on social media.

Written by Jake Blend

Last updated on June 22nd, 2025

Dana White made headlines at the UFC Baku post-fight press conference on June 21, 2025. The UFC president firmly rejected the idea of former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou returning to the promotion. Ngannou quickly responded on X, questioning the speculation about his comeback intentions.

Francis Ngannou, a 38-year-old from Cameroon, holds a 17-3 MMA record. He debuted in the UFC in 2015 with a knockout victory over Luis Henrique. Ngannou claimed the heavyweight title by stopping Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 in March 2021 and successfully defended it against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Seeking greater career autonomy, including opportunities to compete in professional boxing, he parted ways with the UFC in January 2023 after contract disputes over restrictive terms, becoming a free agent. Ngannou then joined the PFL, where he debuted with a first-round TKO against Renan Ferreira in October 2024, affirming his status as a premier heavyweight.

White’s Firm Stance

During the UFC Baku press conference, White addressed rumors of Ngannou’s potential return, sparked by comments from Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick.

“One thing I’ve learned over the years about Francis — Francis doesn’t always mean what he says publicly,” White said. “What he says behind the scenes are different than what he says publicly.” He added, “I’m not a big fan. I would be shocked if Francis ever came back here on lots of different levels. I’m not a fan and he doesn’t always mean what he says publicly.” White’s comments underscored a strained relationship with Ngannou.

Dana White on Francis Ngannou returning to the UFC:

“I’m not a big fan. I’d be shocked if Francis ever came back here.”

🎥 @ufc #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/DS77wygvJC

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 21, 2025

Ngannou’s Quick Response

Ngannou replied on X shortly after White’s remarks.

“Did I say I’m ever coming back? ,” he posted, dismissing the idea that he was seeking a UFC return.

His response suggested he was unaware of or uninterested in the speculation, focusing instead on his current path with the PFL and boxing ventures.

Did I say I’m ever coming back? 🤔

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) June 22, 2025

Ngannou’s 2023 UFC exit stemmed from disagreements over contract terms, including his desire to pursue boxing. White claimed Ngannou could have earned more by staying, but Ngannou disputed this, alleging the UFC owed him money from prior fights. The failed negotiations halted a potential superfight with Jon Jones, with Ngannou claiming he requested the fight but was told Jones was uninterested. White, however, suggested Ngannou avoided Jones to protect his marketability.

In June 2025, Jon Jones expressed interest in a Ngannou fight on X, calling it a “clash of champions,” citing their shared history as UFC heavyweight titleholders. Jones, who retired on June 21, 2025, saw the matchup as a legacy-defining event. However, White’s firm stance against Ngannou’s return, reiterated at UFC Baku, and Jones’ retirement ended any possibility of the fight.

The UFC Baku event, headlined by Khalil Rountree’s decision win over Jamahal Hill, also saw White announce Jon Jones’ retirement and Aspinall’s title promotion. White’s remarks about Ngannou came in response to questions about filling the heavyweight division’s void, emphasizing his commitment to Aspinall over past champions.