'We need Ngannou vs Aspinall' - Surprise UFC Atlanta sighting of Francis Ngannou fuels massive fan buzz as Dana White gets dragged in
Francis Ngannou, Tom Aspinall and Dana White. Photo via Getty Images
Former heavyweight champion
Francis Ngannou
returned to the UFC for the first time in two years, not as a fighter, but as a supporter of Kamaru Usman ahead of the
UFC Atlanta
on June 14, 2025.
Ngannou made an on-stage appearance during the ceremonial weigh-in, which has raised eyebrows regarding the recent speculation of the fighter's possible return to the promotion.
Fans have even started predicting possible opponents for the fighter while placing their request to
Dana White
. One name that heavily popped up was
Tom Aspinall
.
Francis Ngannou attends UFC Atlanta weigh-in, supports Kamaru Usman ahead of the main event against Joaquin Buckley
Kamaru Usman is all prepared to redeem himself against Joaquin Buckley after his last three consecutive losses.
The Nigerian fighter even tried out his skills against middleweight fighter Khamzat Chimaev and failed to secure a win. After a long hiatus since his last fight in 2023, the fighter is now seeking an opportunity to reestablish himself within the division, and this is the perfect timing.
While Usman is occupied with his quest, a surprise appearance by one of the most loved fighters within the promotion during the UFC Atlanta weigh-in ceremony has left everyone speechless.
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Francis Ngannou left the UFC while still the heavyweight champion and went on to join the PFL, where he became their inaugural heavyweight champion. The fighter's reason for departure from the promotion was related more to freedom than to money.
Now, recently, there were speculations about the fighter's possible return to the UFC, which not only grabbed the attention of the fans but also fighters like the current heavyweight champion, Jon Jones.
Ngannou's appearance in the weigh-in ceremony adds to the speculation, which has even resulted in the fans dragging in the UFC boss, Dana White, for Tom Aspinall, the heavyweight interim champion, and Ngannou bout.
Along with cheers for the Predator, fans have started forwarding theories for a possible upcoming bout. One of the fans wrote and proposed the theory while requesting White to get it done, 'We need Ngannou vs Aspinall @danawhite'
Another fan wrote, 'They let Ngannou in? I mean that's a start, come on @danawhite we want Francis back!'
'I love seeing Francis in the building!'
All in all, fans are quite happy and relieved to see their favorite fighter on the stage. The indefinite wait for the title unification bout between the current heavyweight Jon Jones and Aspinall has left the fans frustrated, pushing them for another bout request between Ngannou and Aspinall. Jones has expressed his interest in facing the Predator as well.
Also read:
'Put him to sleep in the first round' - Ilia Topuria issues a brutal warning for Charles Oliveira ahead of UFC 317 vacant lightweight title bout
Ngannou and Usman have supported each other time and again. The Cameroonian fighter did not just make an appearance to hint at his possible return but also to show his support and solidarity with the Nigerian Nightmare.
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