Dana White correctly predicted the future of Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou rumors three years ago
Dana White claimed to have offered Francis Ngannou the highest ever deal for a heavyweight in the UFC when the two were negotiating a renewal. However, the UFC president failed to retain the heavyweight champion and the title was later contested between Ciryl Gane and former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Jones and Ngannou have continually provoked each other and alleged that the other has avoided them. Ngannou's exit from the promotion prevented a potential heavyweight clash for the ages. But White was not optimistic about a matchup between the two ever since they started beefing and calling each other out.
A video clip of Dana White's interview with Jon Anik for ESPN MMA from 2020 has resurfaced, where the promotion's head honcho plainly dismisses any chances of a Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou fight. He responded to Anik's question and gave his honest prediction:
“Jon Jones vs. [Francis] Ngannou? Yeah, I mean… Listen, obviously that’s a fight that people would love to see and, you know, these guys are talking a lot of smack back and forth. I don’t see that fight happening. I don’t see that fight happening.”
Three years down the line and the UFC president was spot on about his prediction. Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou did not meet inside the octagon but both have fulfilled exactly what they set out to do.
Jones won the heavyweight title in his divisional debut and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters ever. Ngannou, on the other hand, defied the world's biggest mixed martial arts promotion and, against all odds, secured a revolutionary deal with the Professional Fighters League that safeguarded his rights as an athlete.
Check out Dana White's comments below:
3 years ago. twitter.com/jedigoodman/st…
Francis Ngannou fires back at Dana White - "What is your problem with me?"
Francis Ngannou's mega deal with the PFL has ruffled a fair few feathers. Dana White commented on the move too and alleged that Ngannou avoided a fight with Jon Jones and referenced Ciryl Gane's shockingly quick loss.
Ngannou hit back against the UFC boss on Twitter and questioned what his problem was in a series of tweets. 'The Predator' listed three reasons in his rebuttal.
Check out his tweets below:
What is your problem with me?
1. I completed my contract, was a free agent, and chose to walk away. you didn’t release me
2. I hate taking risks? that’s why I defended my title to fulfill my contract with no acl or mcl?
3. The reason I fought three times in three years is because you wanted to control my deal and signs a new one. And freeze me out. “I owe these guys three fights a year.” Isn’t that what you say? What happened? I always asked for & never said no to any fight in the 3 years
He summarized his point:
"I’m finally getting paid and respected, and have a deal that’s fair and equal for all parties. Why are you so against me being free and happy?"
I’m finally getting paid and respected, and have a deal that’s fair and equal for all parties. Why are you so against me being free and happy?