‘Money-Minded’ Nature of Francis Ngannou Exposed by Dana White Alongside Backstage Fury

Dana White details his strained history with Francis Ngannou, citing clashes, contract disputes, and incidents that led to their fractured UFC split.

‘Money-Minded’ Nature of Francis Ngannou Exposed by Dana White Alongside Backstage Fury

Dana White talks about Francis Ngannou (via Athlon Sports, New York Times)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

As CEO, Dana White has steered the UFC through immense challenges, growing it into a multi-billion-dollar global promotion. Under his leadership, the organization has launched countless stars, some of whom have left on bad terms. Building that kind of legacy has meant navigating complex fighter dynamics. Central among these fraught relationships is the one White had with Francis Ngannou.

Ngannou became one of the UFC’s most feared heavyweights before his controversial exit. He declined to re-sign after his contract expired, primarily because he sought more freedom, notably to pursue boxing and higher pay. The deal fell apart despite his championship status, leading him to join the PFL instead. That split highlighted deep tensions between the two sides.

White has long argued that Ngannou’s humble public image hides a different personality behind the scenes. He claimed Ngannou presents a misleading persona to gain favor. White also noted Ngannou’s attempt to secure a spot at the UFC White House event as further self-promotion. He recently detailed an incident that took place at the UFC Performance Institute when Ngannou was a rising contender.

He was pissed off he didn’t get a $50,000 in his last fight, that he didn’t get the bonus of the night. I said Francis you didn’t get it for this, that [reason] and he’s in my office and he’s arguing with me. I’m like this guy got this, this guy got that and this is why. The conversation’s over, and I’m starting to leave, and he grabs me by my shirt and pushes me back in my office and I said ‘Dude, get your ****** hands off me.’ I could see in this guy’s face and in his eyes and the way he’s acting who this guy really is.

Dana White via Flagrant Podcast

White detailed multiple incidents he claims show Ngannou’s aggressiveness behind the scenes. He alleges Ngannou demanded a private plane to Paris before his first fight with Stipe Miocic at UFC 220. The UFC CEO also says that after being denied a $50,000 bonus, Ngannou grabbed UFC executive Hunter Campbell by the collar when he walked away from the meeting.

At one point, Ngannou was known particularly for his devastating knockout power. White himself heavily promoted that power, using it to build Ngannou into a marquee heavyweight star. His ability to finish fights became a key part of the UFC’s heavyweight narrative. Despite the later fallout, that early period cemented Ngannou’s place in the promotion’s history.

In conclusion, White says he seriously considered cutting Francis Ngannou from the UFC roster at those early signs of conflict. He claimed that he was talked out of it by UFC matchmakers, a decision he now suggests he regrets. The lingering hostility between them, according to Dana White, has reflected a more profound ongoing mistrust that has remained unresolved.

Dana White reveals how Kevin Holland got a UFC contract

Kevin Holland has become one of the UFC’s most recognizable personalities despite having an up-and-down record inside the Octagon. His constant trash talk, sharp humor, and active social media presence have made him stand out. Holland’s habit of speaking mid-fight quickly became part of his identity. That running commentary turned him into a fan favorite early in his career.

Dana White talks about Kevin Holland's debut
Dana White talks about Kevin Holland’s debut (via MMA Fighting)

Holland first gained wider attention in 2018 on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he defeated Will Santiago. Even with the win, he wasn’t offered a UFC contract, though his personality made him memorable. Recently, Dana White revealed how Holland still found his way into the promotion despite that rejection. His opportunity came sooner than expected after a sudden roster opening.

Kevin Holland fought in the very early days of Contender Series, and he was talking **** the whole time he was fighting. It was driving me crazy. I called him ‘Big Mouth,’ and I didn’t sign him. A fight fell out in his weight division, and I said the matchmakers should call the Big Mouth. He agreed, he came in on short notice, and the rest is history. He’s loved by people.

Dana White via Flagrant Podcast

‘Big Mouth’ officially made his UFC debut at UFC 227, stepping in on short notice to face Thiago Santos. The matchup was a major leap, as Santos was already a ranked contender. That fight marked the beginning of Holland’s UFC run and set the tone for his outspoken style. As Dana White noted, the decision to bring him in ultimately proved worthwhile.

Also Read: