
Francis Ngannou‘s split with the UFC once felt final. Dana White publicly stated that the former heavyweight champion would never compete in the promotion again. However, Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, now says remains possible.
Ngannou’s UFC departure is well documented. As the reigning heavyweight champion, he declined the promotion’s offer for a new contract. In response, White stripped him of the title and booked Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane to crown a new champion.
Ngannou later pursued other opportunities in boxing and signed with the PFL. He competed once for the promotion, defeating Renan Ferreira by 1st round TKO, and has one fight remaining on his deal.
Given Ngannou’s reputation as one of the sport’s top heavyweights, a return to the UFC could make sense. The promotion’s heavyweight division currently lacks the depth and intrigue of divisions such as lightweight and welterweight.
Nicksick rejects the narrative that White has personal animosity toward Ngannou and believes both sides can resolve their differences.
“I would never say never, because you’re looking at the landscape of the heavyweight division right now in the UFC, and it’s struggling. Dana [White] would admit that,” Nicksick told Action Network. “So, I feel like the mature thing to do is put your differences aside, and maybe eventually that’s a possibility for him.”
Francis Ngannou’s Coach Names Jon Jones as Ideal Opponent
Eric Nicksick also named Jon Jones as the ideal opponent if Francis Ngannou returns to the UFC. They were linked to a heavyweight clash after Ngannou defeated Stipe Miocic to win the title.
The fight never materialized, as Ngannou left the UFC. Jones later moved up to heavyweight and defeated Ciryl Gane to capture the vacant heavyweight championship. He then defended the title against Stipe Miocic before announcing his retirement.
If Ngannou returns to the UFC, Nicksick believes the promotion should make that matchup a priority.
“That’s a fight Jon [Jones] wants, that’s a fight Francis wants. So, why not make that happen? Jon is the ultimate competitor, and he’s now to me, a legacy-type fighter,” Nicksick told Action Network. “If that fight becomes available, I could see Jon doing whatever it took to get back in there to make that fight happen.”
Nicksick Says Ngannou’s Contract Dispute with the UFC Isn’t Uncommon
Nicksick also noted that Ngannou’s contract dispute with the UFC isn’t uncommon in the MMA. Several champions and all-time greats have faced similar conflicts with the promotion, so it is just part of the sport.
“It kind of reminds me of Fedor [Emelianenko] and Randy [Couture]” Nicksick told Action Network. “I remember being in the gym and Randy leaving the UFC, and them having those contract disputes, and back and forth, because Fedor was the fight Randy always wanted.”
Nicksick added that he is still hopes that Ngannou can face Jones before he retires permanently.
“Just as a fan of the sport, we just want to see the best matchups from the best athletes that are out there,” Nicksick said. “I just hope at some point we can have the opportunity to compete against arguably the best mixed martial artists to ever do it in Jon Jones.”
Francis Ngannou’s Coach Drops Bombshell on Possible UFC Return