“Reluctant to risk breaking his toys,” Ex-UFC Commentator asserts Dana White will block fighters from emulating Francis Ngannou’s path safeguarding his stable

Former UFC commentator Dan Hardy predicts that Dana White will stand in the way of fighters trying to emulate Francis Ngannou

“Reluctant to risk breaking his toys,” Ex-UFC Commentator asserts Dana White will block fighters from emulating Francis Ngannou’s path safeguarding his stable

Francis Ngannou and Dana White (via MMA Fighting)

Francis Ngannou departed from the UFC, after failed contract renegotiation, all while holding the heavyweight title. This has ignited the aspirations of fellow fighters. Ngannou’s audacious move bore fruit when he secured a lucrative multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). This finally culminated in the recent dream boxing bout against Tyson Fury. Ngannou’s near-victory over Fury, including a third-round knockdown and the controversial split decision loss, only added to the intrigue.

This has created a new trend of fighters expressing interest in crossover bouts. However former UFC commentator Dan Hardy remained skeptical of UFC CEO Dana White‘s willingness to make such endeavors easy for his athletes. He pointed: ” He’s been very, very reluctant to risk breaking his toys in other people’s promotions. I think he’s going to do everything he can to stop people from doing it”.

Hardy acknowledged the significance of the UFC’s Mayweather-McGregor showdown. That fight was indeed a one-of-a-kind spectacle. He also underscored Dana White’s interest in boxing. Also, Conor McGregor‘s input led to both a financial windfall and a remarkable show. However, as fighters like Sean O’Malley and Jon Jones entertain the idea of stepping into the boxing ring, Hardy does not foresee them encountering a path as smooth as Ngannou’s.

According to the existing UFC contracts fighters must obtain permission to participate in any other form of combat sports, be it boxing or grappling. In the aftermath of Francis Ngannou‘s groundbreaking journey, fighters have looked to follow in his footsteps and engage in crossover MMA-boxing matchups. However, they may discover that Dana White’s protectiveness over the UFC roster presents a formidable hurdle.

Related: “I can’t be anybody’s puppet,” Francis Ngannou believes Jon Jones is not allowed to have own personality under Dana White’s leadership

Francis Ngannou talks about Dana White after fighting Tyson Fury

Francis Ngannou’s recent crossover boxing match against Tyson Fury left spectators awestruck. However, when it comes to UFC CEO Dana White’s opinion, Ngannou remains unfazed.

Francis Ngannou Dana White
Francis Ngannou spoke on Dana White after latest fight with Tyson Fury ( Image via Imago )

During an interview on “The MMA Hour,” Ngannou was asked about Dana White‘s sentiments regarding his performance. His response was direct: “Who cares?…Dana White feels like Dana White feels…Personally I feel great. I think you have to send him an invite so you can ask him. I would like to know, too”.

Following their separation, White did not hold back in criticizing Ngannou and his career decisions. He suggested that Ngannou was avoiding taking risks, opting to fight lesser opponents for higher earnings. White even proclaimed that Ngannou would never return to the UFC. Nonetheless, Ngannou never wavered in his decision to depart from the UFC in pursuit of greater career autonomy. He was even prepared to return to Cameroon and work as a farmer if his career didn’t flourish.

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