Dana White rarely holds back when he speaks — and in a recent interview, the UFC president dropped fresh details about his long-strained relationship with former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. What emerged was a blunt account of tension, clashes over money and attitude, and White’s belief that things deteriorated to the point where he no longer wanted to work with Ngannou at all.

White’s comments add another chapter to one of the most talked-about exits in MMA history.

The Backstage Confrontation That Never Fully Came Out Before

White described a moment behind the scenes that, until now, had only been hinted at. According to his account, an argument over a $50,000 fight bonus became heated, and Ngannou — at one point — put his hand on White’s chest to keep the conversation from ending. White said he tried to walk away, but was stopped.

“He put his hand on my chest,” White recalled. “And he said, ‘We’re not done talking yet.’ I said, ‘Oh, we’re done talking.’”

White repeatedly stressed this wasn’t a full-blown brawl, but the gesture — grabbing and stopping him — was something he viewed as crossing a line. The UFC president made it clear he has tolerance for toughness, but not what he described as problematic behavior.

“Sht happens in the fight business,” White said, “but I’m not lenient with bad-guy sht.” That distinction — between toughness and character issues — is central to his narrative.

White’s Shifting View of Ngannou

White admits that early in Ngannou’s UFC career, he was one of the fighter’s biggest supporters. He saw immense potential — a rare blend of power, athleticism, and charisma that could reshape the heavyweight division. At one point, White even seated Ngannou in his own VIP area at UFC events and spoke publicly about how dangerous he believed him to be.

But according to White, that admiration faded after a series of losses and perceived changes in behavior. He said the combination of disappointment inside the Octagon and what he viewed as entitlement outside of it led him to question the relationship.

He pointed to instances where Ngannou would spend long stretches around UFC headquarters with what White described as an “entitled” attitude — arriving early, lingering late, and acting as if he was comfortable in spaces he didn’t necessarily belong.

White’s overall message was blunt: you can be a tough fighter — that’s part of this sport — but when someone shows you a different side of themselves repeatedly, you have to believe them. “When somebody shows you who they really are, believe them,” White said, underlining that philosophy.

What Happened to the Relationship

Ngannou and the UFC parted ways in early 2023 after contract talks broke down. Ngannou wanted more control over his career and opportunities outside the Octagon, including lucrative crossover fights — ambitions that Airas White and the UFC ultimately could not accommodate. He left while still recognized by many fans as the reigning heavyweight champion.

Since then, Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he has competed once and also pursued high-profile boxing opportunities. That move has only deepened the divide between him and his former promotion.

White said he has no interest in doing business with Ngannou again. “There was nobody more into Francis than me,” he noted, “and then — I don’t want to be in business with this guy.”

He went further, saying that if the UFC lets a fighter go, fans should “feel bad” for whatever organization takes them on — because he believes the UFC releases fighters for real reasons. In this case, White believes Ngannou’s behavior made him someone the UFC no longer wanted to associate with.

Ngannou’s Side — Quiet but Present

Ngannou has not confirmed or denied White’s version of events, but he has publicly responded to the broader narrative. In interviews since the allegations surfaced, he refused to engage in personal back-and-forth, leaving open the possibility that cameras would tell the real story if there was footage of the incident White described.

He has voiced fatigue with ongoing controversy and clearly stated that he prefers to focus on his career and future fights, rather than go deep into personal conflict with his former boss. His emphasis has been on moving forward, not re-litigating the past.

What This Means for MMA

The UFC and Ngannou’s split remains a defining moment in MMA business history. It illustrates how star power and negotiation clashes can fracture even the most lucrative partnerships. White’s willingness to publicly label a former champion as a “bad guy” reflects a broader fallout — not just about money or contracts, but about trust, personality clashes, and the limits of professional relationships in combat sports.

Whether fans agree with White’s characterization or see a different side to the story, this clash continues to resonate. Ngannou’s PFL contract is reportedly nearing expiration, and talk of him possibly returning to the UFC has surfaced, though nothing is confirmed. That shared history — and this public airing of grievances — ensures that if a reunion ever happened, it would come with baggage as heavy as any title belt.