Francis Ngannou has questioned what Dana White's problem with him is after the former UFC champion recently inked a deal with PFL.
Ngannou, 36, vacated his UFC heavyweight title and parted ways with the promotion in January after failing to reach an agreement over a new contract. 'The Predator' was offered $8million to defend his belt against UFC legend Jon Jones but he turned down the illustrious deal and opted to become a free agent to negotiate with other promotions.
White insisted that Ngannou's decision to sign with rival promotion PFL didn't "make sense" whilst UFC star Conor McGregor also believes the heavyweight made the wrong decision by leaving the UFC. Ngannou has now given a three-point reply to his former boss in a scathing response on Twitter.
“What is your problem with me? 1. I completed my contract, was a free agent, and chose to walk away. You didn’t release me." Ngannou tweeted. "2. I hate taking risks? that’s why I defended my title to fulfil my contract with no ACL or MCL? 3. The reason I fought three times in three years is because you wanted to control my deal and sign a new one and freeze me out. 'I owe these guys three fights a year.' Isn’t that what you say?
"What happened? I always asked for and never said no to any fight in the 3 years. I’m finally getting paid and respected, and have a deal that’s fair and equal for all parties. Why are you so against me being free and happy?" Ngannou then posted a follow-up tweet insisting he is still open to fight Jones, adding: "If you ever really want that Jon Jones fight to happen reach out to Pete Murray [PFL CEO]. Whenever, wherever."
What are your thoughts on Francis Ngannou and Dana White's feud? Let us know in the comments section below
Ngannou will make his PFL debut next year in the promotion's pay-per-view super-fight division. No opponent has yet been lined up for Ngannou but he claims the PFL is putting up a minimum of $2million for anyone that is keen on fighting him. Ngannou has also taken up a leadership role on the PFL Global Advisory Board and will spearhead the promotion's launch of an African league.
'The Predator' believes he made the right decision to sign with PFL and insisted that he blocked out criticism from fellow fighters. “It wasn’t hard [to ignore criticism] because I knew what I was working on," he said on the DAZN MMA Show. "I knew that I had the best deal. I knew they were just talking out of ignorance."
