March 10, (THEWILL)- Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou’s foray into boxing ended in a brutal knockout defeat at the hands of Anthony Joshua, on Friday night. Now, his former employer, UFC President Dana White, has weighed in on the fight, with comments that suggest a lingering tension between the two.
According to a report by MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin, White reacted to the knockout on social media, stating he witnessed it there. He then drew a comparison between Ngannou’s loss to Joshua and his previous fight against Tyson Fury, in October 2023.
White implied that if Fury had been properly prepared for their encounter, a similar outcome might have unfolded. White went on to reiterate his disapproval of UFC fighters transitioning to boxing. “You know how I feel about crossovers in boxing”, he said. “That’s how they end. Just like that.”
This statement suggests White believes Ngannou’s loss reinforces his stance against fighters competing in other combat sports. The exchange between White and Ngannou highlights the ongoing debate surrounding fighter contracts and the freedom to compete across different promotions.
While Ngannou left the UFC in early 2023, seeking more lucrative opportunities, his recent defeat may fuel discussions about the potential risks and rewards associated with switching disciplines.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
