Dana White Intends to Kick Francis Ngannou Out of UFC The Thrilling Story Never Before Revealed

From almost being CUT to becoming a CHAMPION—Francis Ngannou’s journey is a saga of power, ambition, and rivalry. Discover how he rose from the brink of obscurity to reignite the MMA world!

Dana White Nearly Cut Francis Ngannou in 2018: A Feud That Shaped UFC History

Did You Know? Dana White almost ended Francis Ngannou’s UFC journey in 2018. Find out why “The Predator” became one of MMA’s most polarizing figures.

Ngannou’s Triumphant Return to MMA

Francis Ngannou recently shocked the MMA world by knocking out Renan Ferreira in the first round at PFL: Battle of the Giants. It marked his long-awaited return since leaving the UFC as the heavyweight champion in 2023. The fight reignited tensions between Ngannou and Dana White, his former boss.

The backstory to their feud reveals a contentious relationship, fueled by disputes over contracts, money, and ambition. Ngannou’s choice to leave the UFC was pivotal, but White claimed this move was motivated solely by money.

Dana White Wanted Ngannou Out of UFC

During a recent Power Slap press conference, White unveiled a surprising twist: he contemplated cutting Ngannou from the UFC in 2018 after consecutive losses.

“I was going to cut Francis when he lost two in a row,” White admitted. “Somebody around here begged me not to do it.”

These losses—first to Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight title and then to Derrick Lewis—tested Ngannou’s resolve. The fight against Lewis, infamous as one of the “worst fights in modern UFC history,” placed Ngannou’s future in jeopardy.

The Rise of a Champion

Instead of fading away, Ngannou roared back with four first-round knockouts, earning another title shot against Miocic. This time, he seized the moment, defeating Miocic with a devastating second-round KO to claim the UFC heavyweight crown.

Ngannou defended his title against Ciryl Gane, solidifying his position as one of MMA’s elite. However, his decision to leave the UFC and sign with PFL (Professional Fighters League) left fans divided.

Dana White’s Perspective: Money Over Legacy?

White insists that Ngannou avoided fighting Jon Jones to protect his earning potential. “Francis is all about the money,” White said. “If he fought Jon Jones and didn’t win, it would hurt his chances of making the money he wanted to make.”

Ngannou’s contract with the UFC, according to White, would have been more lucrative. “His deal was bigger here if he stayed in the UFC,” White argued. “Why the f*ck would I lie?”

Shifting Focus: Tom Aspinall’s Rise

As Ngannou’s saga unfolded, White turned his attention to new contenders. Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is now in the spotlight, with fans clamoring for a showdown with Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic.

White emphasized Aspinall’s future, saying, “Everybody loves Tom Aspinall and wants to see Jones and Aspinall, or Stipe and Aspinall.”

The Retirement Question for Jones and Miocic

Jones and Miocic are set to headline UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 16. Both have hinted at retirement, but White dismissed this as mere negotiation tactics.

“I think both Jon and Stipe will say they’re going to retire because they’re going to start negotiating,” White stated. “We will get the deal done.”