Francis Ngannou's next fight, UFC 308 card changes, Dana White's theory on Donald Trump shooting: MMA News Roundup
A couple of changes are made to the upcoming UFC 308 card with days remaining before the event. Elsewhere, Francis Ngannou shared what he would like to do next.
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Francis Ngannou comments on his next fight
Some fans doubt Francis Ngannou's future in MMA after knocking out Renan Ferreira in his PFL debut. If the bridge with the UFC is well and truly burnt, that leaves 'The Predator' with few choices in the heavyweight division, they believe.
However, Ngannou is not worried about such statistics.
Speaking with Ariel Helwani, the former UFC heavyweight champion shared that he plans to return to action in the second quarter of 2025. When asked if it would be in boxing or MMA, Ngannou said:
"It could be either one, I don't know yet. I don't have any hand in that one, I don't have a decision... If next, PFL comes up with something with a fight or a date, maybe we'll work on it. If it's boxing, same thing."
As for rivals, Ngannou shared that Ante Delija, the last fighter to beat Renan Ferreira before him, could be a possible opponent. He did not rule out a potential UFC crossover fight with Jon Jones either.
Two UFC 308 fights officially changed
The promotion announced two big changes in the UFC 308 card, going down on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Justin Tafa will not fight Kennedy Nzechukwu in their scheduled heavyweight clash on the preliminary card. Chris Barnett will replace Tafa. Nursulton Ruziboev has also been removed from his prelims welterweight fight against Rinat Fakhretdinov. Former LFA welterweight champion Carlos Leal will replace Ruziboev.
Both changes happened due to injuries. An official UFC statement released on the company website announced the updates.
A featherweight championship fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway will headline the card. Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev will finally lock horns in the co-main event.
Dana White shares theory about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump's life
Dana White and Donald Trump share a close relationship. It is no secret that the former U.S. president lent a helping hand to the UFC when it struggled in its early years. White has returned the favor in recent years by speaking at Trump's rallies and vocally supporting his political endeavors. They are also good friends and often catch up with each other outside of public appearances.
During a recent appearance on the Outta Pocket with RGIII podcast, White commented on the recent attempts on Trump's life. He blamed the media narrative for turning people's perception of Trump askew:
"This whole thing is so crazy. The narrative that has been flipped on Donald Trump is one of the craziest things I've ever seen, and yet at the same time, brilliant - like a masterpiece in what they've done to this guy... They say he's a racist. Show me one video, one ounce of proof where he has ever acted like a racist."
He went on to comment on the assassination attempt and make his political stance clear:
"When you are far left, it's a little nutty. There are some nutty far rights too... Where I sit, everybody thinks I'm some kind of a hardcore Republican. I'm right down the middle. I'm for common sense. There are a lot of things about me that I'd consider liberal, and there are a lot of things about me I'd consider conservative. I don't judge people by their politics. I judge people on whether you are a douchebag."
Watch Dana White's comments below (47:10):