While there was a time when it seemed that Francis Ngannou’s relationship with UFC President Dana White had soured to the point of no return, recent comments from White suggest that the door may not be completely closed on Ngannou’s potential return to the UFC. After Ngannou’s boxing match against Tyson Fury, White praised Ngannou’s performance, particularly his ability to go the distance in a 10-round bout.
White acknowledged the remarkable achievement of going 10 rounds with Tyson Fury and compared it to other instances where UFC fighters ventured into the boxing world. This included Conor McGregor’s 10-round fight against Floyd Mayweather and Anthony Pettis’ victory over Roy Jones Jr. White expressed amazement at the situation but also made it clear that he didn’t watch the fight himself.
When asked about UFC fighters potentially exploring opportunities in boxing, White didn’t seem eager to encourage it but also didn’t express a strong intention to prevent it. He acknowledged that fighters have to make choices that are right for them and their families, suggesting a more open-minded approach than in the past.
This shift in tone indicates that while White might not actively seek Ngannou’s return to the UFC, he may not be completely opposed to the idea either, marking a notable change in the situation between the UFC and the former heavyweight champion.