Dec 5, 2024, 12:26 PM
Dec 5, 2024, 12:26 PM

Dana White still bitter over Francis Ngannou's UFC exit

Subjective
Highlights
  • Dana White has rejected Saudi Arabia's plans to schedule a bout between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou.
  • Turki Al-Sheikh, a key figure behind Saudi Arabia's boxing initiatives, is seeking to arrange high-profile MMA matches.
  • Dana White remains focused on having Jon Jones face Tom Aspinall next, disregarding external pursuits.
Story

In Saudi Arabia, UFC president Dana White recently dismissed plans proposed by Turki Al-Sheikh, an adviser supporting the Gulf state's boxing projects, for a high-profile matchup between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Al-Sheikh expressed his desire to arrange this fight, emphasizing his strategies for increasing Saudi involvement in MMA. However, Dana White firmly stated that Jon Jones will likely defend his heavyweight title against Tom Aspinall instead. This decision follows Jon Jones's title retention over Stipe Miocic in November 2023. Al-Sheikh also mentioned having backing options for Ngannou, including a potential boxing match against former champion Deontay Wilder. These developments highlight the tension between traditional promotion priorities and the influx of Saudi investment in combat sports. White's longstanding issues with Ngannou, stemming from the latter's departure from the UFC for the PFL in 2023, compound this situation. Ngannou, once the UFC heavyweight champion, vacated his title and has since attempted to solidify his boxing career in Saudi Arabia, with mixed outcomes against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. His return to MMA, however, was characterized by a successful fight against Renan Ferreira earlier in the year. In this context, Dana White's prioritization of Jones versus Aspinall indicates a focus on maintaining the UFC's core championship dynamics rather than engaging with external promotion options that may compromise its integrity.

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