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Tag: Frankis Ngannou

  • Francis Ngannou Backs Jon Jones, Teases Super Fight if Jones Leaves UFC

    Francis Ngannou Backs Jon Jones, Teases Super Fight if Jones Leaves UFC

    Francis Ngannou is throwing his support behind Jon Jones as the former heavyweight champion’s public fallout with the UFC intensifies.

    Ngannou took to X to back Jones, suggesting he deserves both his freedom and a massive payday — and teasing a potential super fight if Jones walks away from the promotion.

    “Watching this story unfold yesterday was very interesting. I have lots to say, but for now, Jonny boy, if you manage to get your freedom, then let me know,” Ngannou wrote. “You deserve that $30M+ after everything you’ve done for the sport, and they should be rolling out the RED CARPET for you.”

    Jones vs. White: The Dispute

    The post comes amid a heated public standoff between Jones and UFC CEO Dana White. At the UFC 326 post-fight press conference, White declared Jones was “never, ever, ever” a consideration for the high-profile UFC White House event, citing Jones’ hip arthritis and doubts about his ability to compete.

    White also stated he had sent a message to Jones’ lawyer explicitly saying a White House fight would “never happen, ever” — even as Jones publicly claimed he was in active negotiations for the card.

    Jones fired back, questioning whether the UFC wanted him to publicly agree that their negotiations were “complete bullshit.” He later posted — and then deleted — a statement requesting his release from the organization.

    “If the UFC genuinely believes I’m finished, then I would like to respectfully request my release from my contract,” Jones wrote.

    Ngannou’s Message Carries Weight

    Ngannou’s show of support is notable given his own well-publicized exit from the UFC in 2022 over financial disputes — a situation that closely mirrors what Jones is now experiencing. The Cameroonian powerhouse went on to sign with the PFL and pursue boxing, and his reference to Jones “getting his freedom” is a direct nod to that shared experience.

    The post immediately sparked speculation about a potential Ngannou vs. Jones super fight outside the UFC, should Jones secure his release.

    Whether Jones ultimately leaves or stays, the public pressure campaign is escalating — and having a fighter of Ngannou’s stature weigh in only amplifies the situation heading into what figures to be a pivotal stretch for both men.

  • Francis Ngannou’s Coach on UFC Return: ‘Hopefully They Can Reconcile and Just Let That Sh*t Go’

    Francis Ngannou’s Coach on UFC Return: ‘Hopefully They Can Reconcile and Just Let That Sh*t Go’

    Francis Ngannou’s head coach Eric Nicksick is hoping his fighter and UFC CEO Dana White can put their differences aside, even if a return to the Octagon never happens.

    Speaking with MMA Fighting, the Xtreme Couture coach addressed the ongoing tension between Ngannou and White, which has intensified since the former heavyweight champion’s departure from the UFC in 2023.

    “I know what Francis brings to me and my family, and the way that he treats me, and that’s the way I judge him by his character. Same with Dana. Dana’s been nothing but nice and great to me,” Nicksick said. “I wish that somewhere down the line that these two could mend those fences, just on a personal level. I’d rather have friends than enemies.”

    White recently shared details of an alleged physical altercation with Ngannou from years ago, further straining their relationship. But Nicksick isn’t interested in the drama.

    “It’s like, f*ck, I don’t want to carry that energy every day. So hopefully they can reconcile and just let that sh*t go. Even if Francis never fights in the UFC ever again, like just move on.”

    Ngannou has competed just once since signing with PFL, stopping Renan Ferreira in the first round at PFL Battle of the Giants in October 2024. A potential matchup with PFL heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov looms, though Nicksick admitted he’d love to see Ngannou back in the UFC.

    “He can do whatever the hell he wants to do. I think, on a personal level, I’d love to be able to see him compete in the UFC just because of the level of competition that he would go against.”

    Ngannou Open to UFC Return at White House Card

    Nicksick’s comments come as Ngannou himself has opened the door to a potential UFC return. The 39-year-old revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that his PFL contract is nearing its end and could expire in time for the UFC’s planned White House event on June 14.

    “I’m getting very close on the PFL contract ending,” Ngannou said. “They have to give me a fight.”

    When asked about facing Jon Jones at the White House card, Ngannou expressed interest while acknowledging the uncertainty. He said he’s not “confident” a deal can be made but believes “there’s a chance” and that “anything can happen.”

    However, White has shown no signs of warming to the idea, recently dismissing any possibility of bringing Ngannou back for the event. Despite Ngannou’s openness, a UFC return appears unlikely unless both sides can find common ground — something Nicksick clearly hopes will happen.