Dana White has no interest in a fight between Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou – or even theorising how it would go.
The years-long logjam atop the heavyweight division began when Ngannou opted against re-signing with the UFC following his defence against Ciryl Gane in January 2022. He held the belt for a year before leaving for pastures new, which allowed Jon Jones to scoop up the vacant belt.
However, Jones defended his title just once and forced interim champion Tom Aspinall to wait years before eventually retiring and letting him become undisputed this weekend. But despite it being one of the biggest fights that could be made, White has no interest in a potential PFL cross-promotion.
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Dana White shuts down Tom Aspinall v Francis Ngannou super-fight
Since his confirmation on Saturday night that Jon Jones is truly retired, Dana White has been fielding questions about the future of the heavyweight division. Tom Aspinall will defend this year, and plots an active reign after the relatively quiet runs of its previous two champions.
Francis Ngannou’s is a name that is often brought up with regards a comeback, despite having an exclusive contract with the PFL. There is a belief that they would be willing to co-promote, which UFC have infamously never done before.
And speaking to select media including Bloody Elbow on Sunday at Fanatics Fest in New York City, Dana White explained that he isn’t interested in an Ngannou comeback. “Francis Ngannou? I’m not a fan,” he reiterated. “You’ll have to play that one out in your head because I don’t see that one happening!
Francis Ngannou’s coach would like to see him return to UFC
Since leaving the UFC, Ngannou has had two boxing matches with former world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, as well as one MMA bout in the PFL. He had success and even dropped then-lineal champion Fury, but lost a split decision before Joshua knocked him out in quick fashion.
His MMA return was a major success as he brutalized Renan Ferreira in Riyadh. But now coach Eric Nicksick believes a return to the octagon might be what’s best in terms of facing elite competition for ‘The Predator’.
“Enough time has passed,” Nicksick told Home of Fight. “I would love to see them mend these fences and get back to competing in the UFC. I think it’s more about business than it is about ego, at least it is from Francis’ side.
“Now where does his motivations come from? It’s not about money, it’s about competition. And the best competition is in the UFC.”