Francis Ngannou has hilarious response to Dana White’s interestingly timed Conor McGregor announcement

Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images for Netflix

Francis Ngannou has hilarious response to Dana White’s interestingly timed Conor McGregor announcement

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated May 17, 2026 4:07 AM ET

Francis Ngannou laughed off Dana White’s attempt to take away his limelight with a massive announcement tonight.

Right as the lineal heavyweight champion began his walk to the hexagon to face Philipe Lins, UFC CEO White went on Instagram Live to confirm a rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway. It will be the Irishman’s first fight since 2021 when he had his leg broken by Dustin Poirier.

Ngannou, of course, was blissfully unaware of White’s stunt as he landed a highlight reel knockout to mark his return to the cage after two years out. And he doesn’t seem too interested in what his former boss is doing.

Francis Ngannou breaks his silence on Dana White announcement

Obviously, Francis Ngannou wouldn’t have known what was happening around his fight and his performance was completely unaffected by Dana White’s behavior. However, it did make waves and meant that both he and Conor McGregor were trending.

Francis Ngannou is unbothered by UFC announcing McGregor vs. Holloway during his walkout at #RouseyCarano

"WTF do I have to do with that? So I should stop my walkout and look?" pic.twitter.com/2bNQm6iiks
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 17, 2026

Asked about the stunt by media after the fight, Ngannou replied: “And what the f— do I have to do with that? So I should stop my walkout and look at what’s going on with [Dana]? I don’t care, bro.

“Let’s move on, life goes on, I’m doing my stuff here, I’m doing good, I have no problem. Everybody can do whatever they want.”

Indeed, the move may have in fact drawn more attention to Ngannou as his name trended on social media at a similar level to McGregor despite the newsworthiness of the Irishman’s return to action.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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