Dana White rules out UFC return for Francis Ngannou

UFC CEO Dana White has dismissed the idea of Francis Ngannou returning to the promotion, effectively ending any chance of the Cameroonian fighter's comeback. Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023 after a contentious disagreement with White regarding his future with the company, resulting in the stripping of his heavyweight title.

The feud between the two escalated during an appearance on Nightcap, where White questioned whether a potential bout between Ngannou and retired champion Jon Jones could materialize. White stated that Ngannou is on his "Oscar De La Hoya list," emphasizing his distaste for bad people and his decision not to engage in business with them.

Ngannou subsequently joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) as a competitor and chairman for PFL Africa, competing in only one bout before leaving the league in March 2026. Ngannou has since made a name for himself in boxing, facing heavyweights Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Despite his strained relationship with White, a UFC return appears unlikely, while Jon Jones, hailed as one of the greatest MMA fighters, has retired.

White also praised Jones, describing him as "the baddest dude to ever walk the face of the earth," and acknowledged his dark persona.