Ahead of his second boxing bout, Francis Ngannou has opened up about the moment in his career that led him to the world of boxing. The Cameroonian-French athlete claims his fall-out with UFC CEO Dana White was crucial. He would probably have not been able to explore his options if not for exiting UFC.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Ngannou claimed, “I think one of those key moments was my relationship with Dana White falling apart. I think that was the best thing that ever happened to me in my career.”
“It was one of the best moments of my life”
Francis Ngannou has spoken! 👀#BBCBoxing #JoshuaNgannou pic.twitter.com/xBSWjM4lKF
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 5, 2024
Further, he explained how the tainted relationship led him to explore and get educated about the combat sports world. He said, “Because that helped me to look around and understand that it all depends on me and then I get educated. Trying to educate myself in the business of combat sports and learn and have my plan, have my vision, and follow my vision on my own regardless of the approval of others.”
Ngannou is set to face Anthony Joshua on March 8, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is Ngannou’s second boxing bout after he impressed the combat sports world with his debut against Tyson Fury. Ngannou joined a short list of boxers who have dropped Fury. Although ‘The Predator’ did not defeat ‘The Gypsy King’, Ngannou earned the respect of the industry.
His fight against Joshua holds the utmost significance. The winner between Ngannou and Joshua faces the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk next. Fury and Usyk will fight for the undisputed heavyweight title in May. Nganou has an opportunity to fight for the undisputed title in only his third bout.
Francis Ngannou and Dana White’s relationship was tainted due to contractual issues
A lot happened between Ngannou and Dana White over the past few years. Their relationship took a turn for the worse because Ngannou wanted specific terms in his UFC contract that were not being met by White.
Among other issues in the contract, the fighter asked for a salary that White was not willing to pay. UFC has been under fire from many fronts regarding their fighter pay. So much so that they will be going to trial soon after UFC 300 for a class action lawsuit related to the same issues.
Ngannou defended his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. That was his last UFC fight. He officially left the UFC in January 2023. In May, he announced his deal with PFL. In his PFL contract, he had the privilege to pursue boxing and fight under the promotion later in 2024.
“Francis wants to take zero risks”
Dana White on Francis Ngannou pic.twitter.com/u3NgCnniLf
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) May 22, 2023
White called him out upon hearing about the deal. “Based on what I know about the deal, which is not much, it makes no sense to me… It’s just not what we do here. It’s not what we do. And the day that we released him, I knew exactly what was going to happen. Francis wants to take zero risks, doesn’t want to take any chances, and he obviously didn’t want to take a chance with Jon Jones.”
Francis Ngannou hits back at Dana White: ‘What is your problem with me?’
“What is your problem with me?” Ngannou wrote. “1. I completed my contract, was a free agent, and chose to walk away. You didn’t release me. 2. I hate taking risks? pic.twitter.com/OTo3INMD2M
— Anthony Eri (@AnthonyC_Eri) May 27, 2023
Ngannou had hit back at White soon after claiming that he never said no to any fight. Instead, he fought his last fight with injury and was not offered fights for a while. He even asked White to contact the PFL CEO to arrange a fight against Jon Jones.
Dana White believes Ngannou did what he had to do to make money for his family
After the debacle, Ngannou went on to make his boxing debut in October 2023. He shocked the world with his skills. Moreover, he earned an extraordinary amount of money as well. White, however, claimed that there was no ill between the pair. In November 2023, White sat down with Donald Trump Jr. for the ‘Triggered’ podcast
“I don’t care,” he said. “Listen, these guys, at some point, everybody is going to move on. Everybody has to do what’s right for them and make money for their families, so whatever they’ve got to do, they’ve got to do.”
Moreover, White was impressed with Ngannou. He said, “It’s crazy. I didn’t see the fight, but the fact that he went 10 rounds is unbelievable.”
White and Ngannou went through several back-and-forths over a lengthy period. However, it has ended well for the Cameroonian-French fighter who is enjoying life as a boxer.