WATCH: Francis Ngannou’s Reaction Responding to Dana White’s ‘Physical Attack’ Accusation Goes Viral

Francis Ngannou neither confirms nor denies UFC CEO Dana White's accusations of assault and asks for proof of the incident.

WATCH: Francis Ngannou’s Reaction Responding to Dana White’s ‘Physical Attack’ Accusation Goes Viral

Francis Ngannou replies to Dana White's accusations (via Business Insider, MMA Fighting)

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The dispute between Francis Ngannou and Dana White has always drawn attention within mixed martial arts circles. Allegations of a physical altercation between the former UFC heavyweight champion and the UFC CEO have resurfaced. Ngannou recently publicly addressed aspects of their long-standing professional friction and spoke about his thoughts on White’s comments.

Ngannou had become one of the most feared heavyweights during his time in the UFC and won the championship with a brutal knockout over Stipe Miocic at UFC 260. He went on to defend the belt against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270, in which he showed exceptional grappling prowess and won. However, he ultimately left the UFC in 2023 due to payment disparities and conflicts with management.

White recently claimed that Ngannou engaged in a physical confrontation in the UFC offices. He said the incident occurred during a dispute over a bonus and involved both himself and UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell. According to White, Ngannou grabbed him by the shirt and pulled Campbell back by the collar during the exchange. The Cameroonian native recently detailed his side of the story.

Why am I not surprised? At some point, it feels very annoying to just have to be responsible of what people say. Basically, if Dana says this, then I’m out here to defend myself of what Dana said, or whoever. I think, whatever he said, if he’s at peace with it, it’s okay. If every time somebody says something about you, you have to respond, it’s going to be tough. In his office, that’s what he said, right? Well, I’m sure he has a lot of cameras there. Over time, I just get tired of that stuff.

Francis Ngannou via The Ariel Helwani Show

Ngannou acknowledged disappointment with how his relationship with the UFC leadership evolved. He indicated that he saw the dissolution of their professional relationship as regrettable without offering details on the alleged physical encounter itself. Ngannou declined to engage in detailed rebuttals of White’s narrative, emphasizing his preference to avoid ongoing drama.

The backdrop to these comments includes Ngannou’s departure from the UFC in early 2023 after failing to agree on a new contract. Since leaving the promotion, he signed a contract with the PFL and pursued high-profile boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. His last mixed martial arts fight was in October 2024 against Renan Ferreira, which the Cameroonian won via TKO in round 1.

The UFC’s planned White House event in 2026 has intensified interest in potential matchups, with Ngannou expressing a willingness to face Jon Jones if logistics and contract terms allow. The card is still in early planning, and fighter availability is being evaluated across divisions. However, Francis Ngannou’s fractured relationship with UFC leadership adds uncertainty to any discussions about a return.

Francis Ngannou weighs in on the UFC 321 eye poke controversy

The UFC 321 heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended in the first round after an accidental eye poke rendered Aspinall unable to continue. The bout was ruled a no-contest, leaving the championship picture unresolved. Medical personnel assessed Aspinall immediately following the stoppage. The outcome prompted renewed debate about injury protocols in major UFC events.

Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou (via MMA Fighting)

Following the fight, several MMA veterans and sections of the fan base accused Aspinall of quitting rather than attempting to fight through the injury. Others defended the stoppage due to the severity of the eye poke and the risks of impaired vision. Francis Ngannou recently addressed the issue, calling Aspinall’s decision the safest option available.

It was frustrating. I saw that Tom got a lot of criticism… I think he took the right decision. When you’re fighting somebody that’s an elite striker like Ciryl Gane, you better be seeing what is in front of you. Anybody can win in the rematch. I will give a slight advantage on the Ciryl Gane side.

Francis Ngannou via The Ariel Helwani Show

Ngannou’s stance may also connect to his own experience competing against Ciryl Gane, where Gane’s technical striking posed significant challenges. That bout required Ngannou to adapt strategically to limit Gane’s offense and manage risk. Such experiences likely influence how he views injuries in elite heavyweight matchups. This context helps explain his supportive assessment of Aspinall’s choice.

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