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Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Francis Ngannou's Trainer Sends a Clear Message to Dana White About a Return to the UFC
Francis Ngannou's Trainer Sends a Clear Message to Dana White About a Return to the UFC originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Francis Ngannou has faced a difficult stretch in recent months—both professionally and personally. From grieving the loss of his son to navigating uncertainty in his combat sports career, the former UFC heavyweight champion has been forced to reevaluate his path. Yet, in the midst of these hardships, there are growing signs that a major return could be on the horizon. Recent comments from those closest to Ngannou suggest that his story in the UFC might not be over. Advertisement In a revealing interview on the Home of Fight YouTube channel, longtime coach Eric Nicksick opened up about Ngannou's mindset—and his willingness to revisit the UFC. 'I think enough time has passed. I would love to see somehow, some way that they can mend these fences and get back in competing in the UFC,' Nicksick shared. 'I think this is more about business than it is about ego. At least it is from Francis' side.' francis ngannouGetty Images Nicksick emphasized that Ngannou still values the freedom to be compensated like an independent contractor, stating, 'He wants the opportunity to be paid... for whoever needs your services for.' When discussing Dana White, he added, 'I think Dana is a smart enough businessman that it's not about his ego... the past is the past... why not explore those options?' With Jon Jones' return looking increasingly unlikely and the UFC heavyweight division in flux, a comeback for Ngannou could be a game-changing move. Advertisement It's believed that Ngannou still has one more fight left on his PFL contract, but if circumstances align, his return to the UFC could bring back the intrigue and power the heavyweight division is currently missing. Related: Sean O'Malley Issues Bold Claim Ahead of UFC 316 Showdown Related: Conor McGregor Reacts to Sean O'Malley's Camp Ahead of UFC 316 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ngannou responds to Jones' call for a 'super-fight'
Francis Ngannou has an overall MMA record of 18-3 with 13 knockouts [Getty Images] Francis Ngannou has said he wants to fight UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, two years after leaving the MMA promotion for the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Ngannou, 38, has mostly boxed since exiting the UFC, but has competed once in the PFL since signing with them in 2023. Advertisement After Ngannou's coach mooted a return to the UFC, Jones called for a "super-fight", to which the Cameroonian has now responded to. "You take care of the UFC, I'll take care of the PFL, and we'll finally find out who's the king of the heavyweight," Ngannou said on social media. Ngannou is under contract with the PFL while Jones, 37, has recently suggested he is retired and won't fight interim UFC champion Tom Aspinall. Ngannou's departure from the UFC was an ugly one, with Dana White saying in the aftermath he would never welcome Ngannou back. "It's over, that's over. He'll never be in the UFC again," White said in 2023. Advertisement Ngannou's coach Eric Nicksick sparked feverish speculation this month Ngannou wants to return to the UFC when he suggested that the best competition for his fighter was in the promotion. Jones, who has been involved in a social media back and forth with Aspinall for weeks, quickly responded to Nicksick's comments. "I'm hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested, now we're talking," Jones said. "That's a real super-fight. A clash of champions, not just hype. He held the UFC belt, I've defended mine for over a decade. Two kings from different roads. "Not just one legend facing a mouth that's hot right now, but two real legacies colliding." Advertisement The UFC have traditionally refused to do co-promotional events with rival MMA outfits. But PFL chief Donn Davis also responded to Ngannou's call-out, suggesting a "winner-takes-all" agreement which would see the triumphant heavyweight and his promotional company take all "event profits". Jones is a two-weight UFC champion. Ngannou was the reigning heavyweight champion when he left the UFC. Ngannou has 18 wins and three losses on his MMA record, while Jones - considered by many as the best MMA fighter of all time - has 28 wins, one loss and one no-contest. More MMA from the BBC
