UFC President Dana White has shared his perspective on Francis Ngannou’s recent boxing match against Anthony Joshua, following Ngannou’s brutal knockout defeat.
Ngannou’s departure from the UFC in 2023 amid a contract dispute marked a turning point in his relationship with White. The Cameroonian fighter transitioned to boxing, making his debut against Tyson Fury in October, where he showcased promise despite a controversial decision loss. However, Ngannou’s latest bout against Joshua presented a starkly different outcome.
“I did not [see it]. I mean, I saw it on social media,” said White in Miami.
“Going into the [Tyson] Fury fight… If Fury trained for the fight and didn’t show up and look like he ate Tyson Fury, that’s probably the way that fight would’ve gone, too.
“You know how I feel about the crossover fights in boxing. That’s how they end.”
In the showdown held in Saudi Arabia, Ngannou suffered three knockdowns in just two rounds, culminating in a devastating knockout that left the former UFC heavyweight champion unconscious on the canvas.
Addressing the result at the UFC 299 post-fight press conference in Miami, White expressed his sentiments on the crossover between MMA and boxing, an arena fraught with challenges.
While acknowledging that he didn’t personally witness the match, White offered insights based on social media coverage. Reflecting on Ngannou’s bout with Fury, White suggested that the outcome against Joshua mirrored what could have transpired had Fury not been in optimal condition for their fight.
White’s stance on crossover fights in boxing remains consistent, as he highlights the inherent difficulties and uncertainties associated with such matchups.
Following his departure from the UFC, Ngannou joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL), signaling a shift in his career trajectory. Despite his foray into boxing, Ngannou is expected to return to MMA under the banner of PFL by the end of 2024.