Dana White is not interested in a fight between Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou – or even theoretizing how it would go.
The many years of Logjam on top of the heavyweight division began when Ngannou opted against the UFC again after his defense against Ciryl Gane in January 2022. He held the belt a year before he was to the meadows, so that Jon Jones could brag the vacant belt.
However, Jones only defended his title once and forced interim champion Tom Aspinall for years before he finally retired and to make him undisputed this weekend. But even though it is one of the biggest fights that can be hit, White is not interested in a potential PFL-Cross-Promotie.
Dana White closes Tom Aspinall v Francis Ngannou Super-Fight
Since his confirmation on Saturday evening that Jon Jones is really retired, Dana White has asked questions about the future of the heavyweight division. Tom Aspinall will defend this year and an active regime after the relatively quiet runs of the previous two champions.
Francis Ngannou's is a name that is often raised with regard to a comeback, despite an exclusive contract with the PFL. There is a conviction that they would be willing to promote together, which UFC has never done not before.
And with Select Media, including Bloody Elbow on Sunday at Fanatics Fest in New York City, Dana White explained that he is not interested in a Ngannou comeback. “Francis Ngannou? I'm not a fan,” he repeated. “You have to play it in your head because I don't see it 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 match in the PFL. He was successful and even dropped the then lineal champion Fury, but lost a split decision before Joshua hit him in a quick way.
His MMA recovery was a great success when he Renan Ferreira in Riyad Brute. But now coach Eric Nicksick believes that a return to the Octagon is perhaps the best in terms of the confronted with elite competition for 'The Predator'.
“Enough time has passed,” Nicksick told the Home of Fight. “I would like to see them recover these fences and compete in the UFC again. I think it is more about things than ego, at least it is from Francis.
“Where does his motivations come from? It's not about money, it's about competition. And the best competition is in the UFC.”