Dana White announces Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou won't happen
- Dana White expressed his strong disapproval of Francis Ngannou and indicated he never wanted to do business with him, despite Ngannou's championship status.
- The UFC president's comments suggest that a highly anticipated matchup between Ngannou and Jon Jones is unlikely to happen.
- This situation highlights the influence of personal relationships in the UFC, affecting fighter opportunities and matchups.
On October 27, 2024, during a post-event press conference at UFC 308, Dana White made clear his disdain for Francis Ngannou, effectively squashing any hopes of a match between Ngannou and Jon Jones. White recounted his feelings towards Ngannou, stemming from a past incident after Ngannou lost to Derrick Lewis in 2018. The UFC president stated, 'I didn’t like Francis as a person' and emphasized that he did not see Ngannou as a business partner, despite Ngannou's success in the sport. White's comments have significant implications for the future of both fighters. Ngannou, currently a champion in the PFL, faces an uncertain future in the UFC system, where personal relationships appear to dictate opportunities more than performance. The prospect of a potential fight between him and Jon Jones, the heavyweight champion of the UFC, seems bleak unless there’s a shift in White's perspective or contractual circumstances. This incident emphasizes the complexities and politics within UFC business dealings. Fighters' careers can be dramatically impacted by the perceptions of key figures like White, raising questions about the fairness and dynamics of matchmaking in the sport. In essence, what fans hoped would be an iconic fight is now overshadowed by personal biases, leaving many to wonder about the potential for high-stakes battles in the UFC that hinge on mutual respect and willingness to collaborate among its leaders.