Francis Ngannou's fiery response to Dana White claiming 'The Predator' would never return to the UFC
Francis Ngannou sounded off on Dana White after the UFC president claimed that he would never return to the UFC after declining their contract offer.
During an interview with ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto, Ngannou addressed the comments White had made regarding his future status with the promotion. He mentioned that he's not concerned with what the UFC president thinks about him or his decision-making.
He said:
"Hey, I don't care what Dana White say. That was my call, not his call. So, he has to make his own amends with that. I made my amends, I'm good so wish him to do the same." [3:32 - 3:45]
The former UFC heavyweight champion also opened up about his negotiations for a fight with Jon Jones and how the bout didn't come to fruition. He said that he tried to make the fight happen, but felt as though the UFC president was using it as a bargaining chip, saying:
"You know all the promise or the attempt, even the promise for the winner between Stipe and I that's supposed to fight Jon Jones, but it never happen. So, I did everything to have that fight...I just felt like that was a bargain, so like keep me, you know, maybe do something I don't want just because I want that fight. Yes, I wanted that fight but not at any cost" [2:50 - 3:22]
It remains to be seen whether Ngannou and White will eventually make amends and negotiate a return to the promotion as a fight between 'The Predator' and 'Bones' is still the most lucrative fight for him in MMA.
Check out the full video:
Has Dana White ever stuck to his promise of a fighter never returning to the UFC?
Dana White was furious with Daley's actions....
The UFC cut Paul Daley from the promotion that night & vowed to never sign him again. https://t.co/qJ5WkCJE46
Dana White has made the claim that a fighter would never return to the UFC in the past but has brought them back if it makes sense from a business perspective.
Despite getting back on good terms with fighters and welcoming them back to the promotion in the past, there were occasions when the UFC president stuck to his word. One of the most high-profile fighters that was never brought back to the promotion was former welterweight contender Paul Daley.
At UFC 113 in 2010, 'Semtex' fought Josh Koscheck in a title eliminator bout, where he lost a unanimous decision after the former TUF competitor outwrestled him and controlled him on the ground for the duration of the fight. Daley took his frustration out after the bell as he approached Koscheck and threw a punch before being quickly separated by the referee.
During his post-fight press conference, the UFC president announced that 'Semtex' would never compete in the promotion again, even if he were to become the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He never went back on his word as Daley never competed in the UFC again after that night.