In a scathing rebuke, prominent MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has called out UFC CEO Dana White for what he describes as “outlandish falsehoods” regarding former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
The controversy ignited following Ngannou’s impressive victory at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants, where he dominated Renan Ferreira with a ground-and-pound finish. When asked about Ngannou’s performance at a recent press conference, White sidestepped praise and instead criticized the Cameroonian fighter, labeling him as money-driven.
White went on to claim that he had nearly released Ngannou from his contract after a loss to Derrick Lewis at UFC 226 in July 2018. This assertion, among others, prompted Helwani to unleash a series of fact-checking posts on social media.
“I had to watch this clip twice just to make sure it wasn’t satire,” Helwani wrote. “I think I can do 60-90 mins alone, just breaking down all the outlandish falsehoods uttered in these two minutes… The level of make-believe here is astounding.”
The journalist challenged White’s claim about nearly releasing Ngannou, pointing out that the fighter headlined five of the next six events following the loss to Lewis. This inconsistency, Helwani argued, undermined the credibility of White’s statements.
The ongoing dispute between Ngannou and White played a significant role in the fighter’s decision not to re-sign with the UFC after defending his title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Ngannou cited unfavorable contract terms as the primary reason for his departure.
In May 2023, Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a deal that allowed him to pursue opportunities outside of MMA, including boxing matches – an option the UFC had previously denied him.
White’s criticism of Ngannou’s career choices extended to labeling his boxing endeavors as a “gimmick,” a stance that Helwani vehemently contested. In a June 2023 episode of The MMA Hour, Helwani accused White of hypocrisy, citing the UFC’s promotion of unconventional events and allowing non-MMA athletes to compete in the octagon.
As the war of words continues, the MMA community remains divided over the treatment of one of the sport’s most dynamic heavyweight talents. Helwani’s public challenge to White’s narrative has reignited discussions about fighter compensation and freedom within the sport’s largest promotion.
With Ngannou finding success in his post-UFC career, the debate surrounding his departure and treatment by his former employer shows no signs of abating. As both sides continue to present their versions of events, fans and pundits alike are left to question the true nature of the relationship between the UFC and its top talent.
