Francis Ngannou Responds to Dana White: 'Did I Ever Say I’m Coming Back?'

In recent weeks, the potential UFC return of Francis Ngannou became a hot topic.

Perhaps it was because of the lack of action in the heavyweight division as the promotion awaited word on Jon Jones’ next move. While Jones briefly expressed interest in a potential date with “The Predator” before opting for retirement, it always an unlikely option for one big reason: Ngannou remains under contract with Professional Fighters League.

However, even if Ngannou’s status were to change, UFC CEO Dana White doesn’t seem all that interested in a reunion. The former UFC heavyweight champion had a contentious departure from the promotion before signing with the PFL in 2023. After Jones’ retirement became official, White shut down the possbility of a potential Ngannou return at the UFC Baku press conference.

“One thing I’ve learned over the years about Francis — Francis doesn’t always mean what he says publicly,” White said. “What he says behind the scenes are different than what he says publicly.

“I’m not a big fan. I would be shocked if Francis ever came back here on lots of different levels. I’m not a fan and he doesn’t always mean what he says publicly.”

Don’t Count on a Francis Ngannou-UFC Reunion

It wasn’t actually Ngannou who even mentioned an Octagon comeback. Speculation began thanks to remarks from head trainer Eric Nicksick, and another coach, Dewey Cooper, also discussed the possibility in a separate interview.

Regardless of how the rumors began, it’s clear that White’s comments did capture the attention of their target.

“Did I ever say I’m coming back?” Ngannou wrote on social media.

Did I say I'm ever coming back? 🤔

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) June 22, 2025

Ngannou was recently on hand at a UFC event, as he attended the promotion’s return to Atlanta in support of the return of former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Ngannou’s last fight occurred this past October, when he stopped Renan Ferreira in the opening stanza at PFL “Battle of the Giants.” He will likely be front and center as an ambassador when the PFL makes its debut in Africa next month.