STWF Sports | Dec. 11, 2025 – Francis Ngannou has never been shy about confronting challenges, but when pressed this week about Dana White’s explosive allegations, the former UFC heavyweight champion opted not to fight—at least not in the way fans expected.
In November, White claimed Ngannou once manhandled him and UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell after being denied a post-fight bonus. The story spread quickly, sparking debate and fueling speculation over the pair’s long-documented tension. Many expected Ngannou to immediately issue a full-throated defense or a fiery rebuttal.
Instead, what he offered Wednesday on The Ariel Helwani Show was something rarely seen in combat sports: restraint, dismissal, and indifference.
Ngannou on White’s Accusations: “Why am I not surprised?”
When asked directly about White’s story, Ngannou chuckled and delivered a telling opening line:
“Why am I not surprised?”
He went on to suggest that responding to every allegation or jab—especially from White—is a losing game.
“At some point, it feels very annoying to just have to be responsible for what people say,” Ngannou said. “Basically, if Dana says this, then I’m out here to defend myself from what Dana said… I don’t find it important. I don’t find it necessary.”
Instead of litigating the past, Ngannou expressed a desire for peace and distance.
“Maybe I’m getting old. I have less energy for drama. I just want to be at peace, and for people to leave me alone.”
It was a clear contrast to the aggression that made Ngannou one of the most feared heavyweights in MMA history. The fighter who once terrorized the division with his fists now seems unwilling to throw verbal punches.
Calling Out the Claims Without Calling Out White
Ngannou didn’t deny the incident outright, but he certainly hinted at doubt.
White alleged that Ngannou shoved him into his office before grabbing Campbell by the shirt. Ngannou, without outright refuting it, pointed to a simple fact:
“Well, I’m sure he has a lot of cameras there…”
It was a subtle challenge to the claim’s credibility—one that didn’t require anger or theatrics. Ngannou essentially told the world that if White wants the story to stand, the evidence should speak for itself.
He also made it clear he has moved on from the UFC era of his life:
“I really saw that and scrolled past. I get past it. I’m long gone from that.”
A Relationship That Fell Apart for All to See
Ngannou’s exit from the UFC in January 2023 was the culmination of years of disagreements over pay, fighter rights, and matchmaking. White publicly criticized him on multiple occasions, calling him “difficult” and “hard to work with,” while Ngannou countered by accusing the promotion of suppressing fighter freedom.
Their relationship seemed irreparable—by the time Ngannou left for free agency, the split felt inevitable.
He joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) later that year, signing a groundbreaking deal that gave him financial freedom, leadership influence, and the ability to pursue boxing. But Ngannou has competed only once for the PFL so far, focusing much of his energy on blockbuster crossover bouts with heavyweight boxers.
Still, his departure continues to loom over the UFC narrative—especially for White, who appears unwilling to let the past remain in the past.
Ngannou’s Silence Speaks Louder Than Any Outburst
In an era when fighters often rush to social media to clap back, Ngannou’s measured response stands out. He neither confirmed nor denied the altercation. He neither attacked White nor defended him. Instead, Ngannou made a statement by refusing to let the UFC define his story anymore.
At 39, with major boxing opportunities ahead and a lucrative MMA contract in hand, he seems more interested in shaping his future than revisiting his past.
Whether White’s allegations fade or linger, Ngannou is making his approach clear:
He’s not fighting old battles anymore—only the ones that matter.
