Former Fighter Thinks Francis Ngannou's UFC Return Would Fit Dana White's Hint

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Dec 19, 2024 6:41 AM ET

Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub has speculated about what Dana White’s recently teased announcement might mean and which fighters might be involved.

The name highlighted by Schaub is former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who is now plying his trade as a boxer inside the squared circle after leaving the promotion in early 2023.

Ngannou, in Schaub's opinion, could potentially face the winner of the highly anticipated and confirmed heavyweight unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

On his YouTube channel, Schaub shared his thoughts on White’s cryptic comments following UFC Tampa.

“Dana said, ‘It’s going to blow your guys’ minds,’” Schaub said. “The only thing that would blow me away is if it’s Francis. Francis fighting the winner of Jones vs. Aspinall—that would be a dream collision.”

White confirmed that Jones vs. Aspinall will happen in 2025, describing it as “the biggest fight in heavyweight history.” However, his additional tease of a “massive” 2025 bout left the MMA world speculating.

Although Schaub stated Ngannou's return is the only thing that would "blow his mind," he also speculated about a possible announcement regarding Nate Diaz facing Jake Paul in the UFC during the same episode.

“July 4th or 3rd, Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul co-main event, that’s the news,“ Schaub said. “That’s what it is because Jake can do it.“

Ngannou has stayed active outside the UFC, including two high-profile boxing matches against Tyson Fury last Oct. 2023 and another one facing Anthony Joshua last March. Both professional fights ended in losses for the former UFC fighter.

The UFC removed Ngannou's title from him in Jan. 2023 after he didn't sign an extension with the promotion, making him a free agent.

The heavyweight transitioned into boxing following that development, signing a multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in May 2023 and making his MMA return knocking out Renan Ferreira in October.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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