Dana White took full responsibility for the Francis Ngannou blunder that took place ahead of UFC 305.
The heavyweight fighter was erased from UFC history as the fight trailer claimed other fighters were the first Cameroon fighters in UFC history.
White also issued a private apology to Israel Adesanya who first raised the issue.
Dana White Takes Full Responsibility For Removing Francis Ngannou from UFC Promo’s
Speaking on the issue the UFC president said; “Someone was editing that and made a conscious decision, thinking that was the right thing to do. I didn’t know about it and that was nothing that ever came across my desk.”
“I’m in charge of everything production-related, so at the end of the day, the fact that it happened falls on me 100 percent. It’s my responsibility and I accept it. Blame me for that. I put them in such a tough spot sometimes saying all this crazy shit, it’s hard for them.”
“Totally on me. I already called Israel Adesanya and apologized for it.
UFC vs Francis Ngannou
Ultimately, a mistake by the UFC enraged several of its stars and erased the legacy Ngannou left in the UFC. Blessed with incredible power in his hands Ngannou was UFC champion after defeating Stipe Miocic back in 2021. Dana White was keen to sign Francis down to a new contract but talks never reached an agreement.
After this, a contractual dispute with the UFC meant that after his fight with Cyril Gane which Ngannou won meant that the Cameroon fighter left the company as a free agent. Dana White wasn’t able to secure one of his prized fighters down to a new contract with money sighted as one of the reasons why Francis Ngannou didn’t resign with the UFC.
Since this, Jon Jones returned to the UFC and became heavyweight champion. Whilst Ngannou did transition to boxing after leaving the UFC. The former UFC fighter faced off against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to varying degrees of success. He has now signed with PFL and hopes to make his debut early next year.
Will Francis Ngannou ever return to the UFC? Comment below!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
