Francis Ngannou fires back at Dana White after Jon Jones’ shock UFC retirement

After the news broke, Aspinall took to social media to assure fans that he would be an active champion and bring new energy to a division that had stagnated under Jones.

Still, the list of must-see opponents for Aspinall isn’t particularly long. One possible solution to bring the hype back to the heavyweights is Francis Ngannou, who hasn’t ruled out a return to the UFC recently. However, Dana White seems to dislike this idea.

Speaking after UFC Baku, White doubled down on his position, saying: “One thing I’ve learned over the years about Francis, Francis doesn’t always mean what he says publicly, behind the scenes are different than what he says publicly.

“I’m not a big fan, I would be shocked if Francis ever came back here, on lots of different levels, I’m not a fan and he doesn’t always mean what he says publicly.”

Francis Ngannou hits back at Dana White after UFC Baku comments

Ngannou, who hasn’t fought in the UFC since defending his title in 2022, before leaving over contract disputes, responded swiftly to White’s comments.

Taking to social media, he wrote simply: “Did I say I’m ever coming back?”

In another reply to a fan urging him to reclaim his title, Ngannou fired back: “I don’t remember losing it, mate. It’s still in my closet.”

While a fight between Aspinall and Ngannou would have been a huge draw, for now, it remains unclear who the newly crowned champion will face in his first official title defence.