Lackluster UFC Heavyweight Division Due to Mismanagement, Says Ex-Champ Francis Ngannou

Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou hints at organizational mistakes contributing to the recent state of the UFC heavyweight division.

Lackluster UFC Heavyweight Division Due to Mismanagement, Says Ex-Champ Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou talks about the current state of the heavyweight division (via MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Francis Ngannou criticizes UFC management for instability in the heavyweight division since his departure.
  • Jon Jones won the vacant heavyweight title but retired after one defense, leading to further uncertainty.
  • Ngannou prepares for a return to MMA under MVP Promotions after expressing dissatisfaction with UFC contracts and compensation.

Francis Ngannou is one of the UFC’s most outspoken critics, frequently speaking out about issues within the promotion. Once known for knockout power feared across the heavyweight division, his career has included long stretches of inactivity. Despite that, he has remained in the public eye. Now preparing for his return under the MVP MMA banner, Ngannou recently weighed in on the UFC heavyweight division.

Ever since Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023, the heavyweight division has been seen as unstable in its title picture. The vacant belt was won by Jon Jones, who submitted Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. Jones later defended it once against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 before retiring. This led to Tom Aspinall becoming the undisputed champion, with his defense against Gane at UFC 321 ending in an eye-poke no-contest.

The eye poke injury from Aspinall’s fight has become a serious concern, affecting his vision and requiring recovery. He is still in rehabilitation with no clear return timeline. This has stalled momentum in the heavyweight division and raised questions about consistency at the top level. These issues also connect to broader criticism of division management, with Ngannou recently calling out UFC leadership.

I think there is mismanagement. You see all this situation, it’s not that calm and entertaining… When I say mismanagement, I wasn’t talking about like a manager. I was talking mostly about like maybe… the promotion kind of thing.

Francis Ngannou via TheSchmo312

Ngannou’s clashes with UFC leadership are not new; tensions between him and UFC CEO Dana White have persisted since his departure. White has previously linked Ngannou to an alleged 2021 altercation during a contractual dispute. ‘The Predator’ has denied the claims, saying White misrepresented facts. He has also challenged White to produce CCTV footage, insisting the incident did not happen as described.

Another major criticism directed at UFC leadership followed Aspinall’s UFC 321 eye-poke incident, in which Dana White downplayed the severity of the injury. The comments created a clear divide between White and the British heavyweight champion. Following the incident, Aspinall went on to sign with White’s rival Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency, further distancing himself from UFC leadership.

Francis Ngannou’s comments come as he prepares to return under Most Valuable Promotions’ inaugural MMA card, where he is set to face Brazilian heavyweight Philippe Lins. The event marks a new chapter in his career after leaving the UFC. MVP is co-founded by Jake Paul, who has also been a vocal critic of Dana White and UFC leadership. This adds to the ongoing tension between ‘The Predator’ and the UFC.

Francis Ngannou reveals why he is more comfortable in MMA as compared to boxing

Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC was driven by dissatisfaction with the promotion’s restrictive contract structure. He has criticized the lack of flexibility and control fighters had under UFC agreements. Another key issue was compensation, as even champions earned far less than top boxing payouts. This financial gap played a major role in his decision, leading Ngannou to transition into boxing.

Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou (via MMA Fighting)

Ngannou made his boxing debut in 2023, delivering a strong performance against then-heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, though he lost via a controversial decision. The fight established him as a legitimate force despite limited experience. However, in March 2024, he suffered a brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua. Ngannou recently spoke about which sport he feels more comfortable in.

I am very familiar with MMA. I’m certainly more comfortable in MMA… I’ve been doing it for a while. Boxing was a manifestation of a dream, but MMA is where I am the king.

Francis Ngannou via TheSchmo312

This became clearer after the Cameroon native’s boxing matches, as he returned quickly to MMA without the same struggles. He made his PFL debut and scored a dominant knockout over Renan Ferreira in their PFL Heavyweight Super Fights Championship bout. The win reinforced his ability to transition back into MMA. Overall, it showed why Francis Ngannou feels most comfortable and competitive in MMA.

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