Dana White Shuts Down Francis Ngannou’s UFC Comeback Hopes With Three Words

By Ali Hammad June 11, 2025 10:10

The UFC heavyweight division’s landscape remains turbulent, but one thing is clear: Francis Ngannou’s hopes of returning to the Octagon under the UFC banner have been firmly dashed at least for now. UFC President Dana White delivered a blunt and decisive response to rumors about Ngannou’s potential comeback, effectively shutting down speculation with a mere three words: “Probably not. No.”

Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, parted ways with the promotion in 2023 following contentious contract negotiations. Since then, he has ventured into professional boxing and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he captured the heavyweight title in October 2024 by knocking out Renan Ferreira in the first round. Despite his success outside the UFC, whispers of a return have circulated, fueled by comments from UFC legend Jon Jones, who expressed interest in a superfight against Ngannou.

Jones tweeted, “I’m hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested… now we’re talking. 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.” This sentiment reignited fan excitement and speculation about Ngannou’s return.

However, Dana White extinguished those hopes during the UFC 316 post-fight press conference. When asked about the possibility of Ngannou facing Jones, White replied curtly, “Probably not,” and when pressed again, simply said, “No.” He emphasized that the upcoming title unification bout between interim champion Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones is the priority, stating, “It’s Aspinall’s fight.”

White’s stance reflects lingering tensions from the acrimonious split with Ngannou, who had demanded better pay and fewer contractual restrictions. The UFC boss has repeatedly expressed frustration over Ngannou’s departure and the public disputes that followed. Despite Ngannou’s dominance in PFL and lucrative boxing bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, White remains unmoved.

Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, recently conveyed a more conciliatory message, suggesting that time has passed and reconciliation might be possible. “I believe enough time has elapsed. I would really like to see some sort of reconciliation that allows him to compete again in the UFC,” Nicksick said, highlighting that the issues were more business-related than personal pride.

Fans and analysts are divided. Some criticize White for dismissing one of the most exciting heavyweights in recent memory, fearing the division’s talent pool is thinning. Others see White’s decision as a business move to protect the UFC’s current title picture and maintain control over its roster.

The heavyweight division is indeed in flux, with Jones and Aspinall set to unify the belts, and contenders like Ciryl Gane and Sergei Pavlovich vying for prominence. Ngannou’s absence leaves a void many believe only he can fill, but White’s unequivocal “no” signals that, for now, the UFC is moving forward without him.

In the end, Dana White’s three-word dismissal “Probably not. No.” serves as a stark reminder of the complex business dynamics behind MMA’s biggest stage. Whether Ngannou’s return will ever materialize remains uncertain, but the door is clearly closed for the immediate future.