Francis Ngannou: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Francis Ngannou makes shock UFC return on stage at UFC Atlanta in support of legendary ex-champion

Francis Ngannou returned to the UFC stage for the first time in almost two years to support Kamaru Usman tonight. The legendary former heavyweight champion has been persona non grata with the promotion since an explosive exit at the beginning of 2024 that saw him leave with the belt.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Francis Ngannou makes first UFC appearance since his release, surprises fans at Fight Night weigh ins

Ngannou's coach recently claimed the former UFC champion is interested in a comeback

Daniel Cormier Says Anthony Joshua Hindered Francis Ngannou’s Financial Opportunities

Francis Ngannou was on Cloud 9 following his debut boxing match. He took on the then-WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, in a fight as a massive underdog.

MMA News / Athlon Sports / June 9

Heavyweight Drama: Jones vs. Ngannou 'Biggest Fight in UFC History'

While heavyweight MMA legend Francis Ngannou left the UFC on bad terms, there have been rumblings of his potential return to the organization. Recently, his coach Eric Nicksick even hinted that he might be interested in coming back to fight for Dana White, given the UFC heavyweight division’s stagnancy towards the top of the rankings.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / June 9

UFC is told ‘PFL can’t afford’ not to negotiate Francis Ngannou’s return amid Jon Jones talk

Talk of Francis Ngannou returning to the UFC has returned to the surface, as Jon Jones’ next step continues to be uncertain. Ngannou left the UFC as heavyweight champion in early 2023 following a lengthy contractual dispute.

MMA News / FirstSportz / June 9

Dana White Co-sign Instills Confidence in Tom Aspinall Amidst Jon Jones ‘Crazy’ Antics

Tom Aspinall has held the UFC interim heavyweight championship for a record number of days without fighting for the undisputed title. He has done absolutely everything in his power to secure a fight with Jon Jones, but has remained unsuccessful so far.

MMA News / MMA on SI / June 8

Dana White issues 3-word response to Francis Ngannou's UFC comeback plan

Don’t expect to see Francis Ngannou back in the Octagon anytime soon. It appears the UFC’s heavyweight division is better off without Ngannou, and that’s a final decision regardless of how much the fans want the fight.

MMA News / MMA Weekly / June 8

Dana White not interested in Francis Ngannou coming back to the UFC

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones would like to fight former titleholder Francis Ngannou next, but Ngannou isn't under UFC contract. He's signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / June 8

Dana White breaks his silence on Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou talks as he names ‘the fight’ for UFC heavyweight title

Dana White has confirmed that Jon Jones will not be fighting Francis Ngannou despite the pair’s social media back-and-forth. The UFC boss was not aware of the ongoing discussions between Jones and Ngannou that had broken out on X this weekend.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / June 7

PFL head makes ‘winner takes all’ proposal for Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou super fight

PFL co-founder Donn Davis revealed what would be financially on the line for Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou. UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall could be on a collision course later this year, but in the meantime, another super fight for Jones has resurfaced in recent days.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / June 7

Francis Ngannou’s coach clarifies comments regarding a potential UFC return after attracting Jon Jones’ interest

With the UFC’s heavyweight division currently stalled, Francis Ngannou has re-entered the frame. The former champion parted ways with the promotion in January of 2023 but his coach recently suggested that Ngannou could make a return.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / June 7

Francis Ngannou breaks social media silence as UFC return rumors lead to Jon Jones call out

Francis Ngannou has posted on social media amid links to a UFC fight with Jon Jones. The PFL heavyweight champion has been dealing with intense personal issues in 2025.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / June 7

Jon Jones responds to ‘clowns’ criticism of chasing Francis Ngannou fight over Tom Aspinall unification

June 6 was a busy day for the UFC’s heavyweight champion following several social media posts from Jon Jones. The consensus greatest of all time seemingly clarified that he wouldn’t be returning to the Octagon after Jones shot down the idea of him facing Tom Aspinall.

MMA News / MMA Weekly / June 6

Jon Jones snubs Tom Aspinall in favor of Francis Ngannou clash

Jon Jones has set his sights on a legacy fight against Francis Ngannou, dismissing any speculation of facing Tom Aspinall. 'Bones' is the current and second-longest reigning UFC heavyweight champion, but he is still refusing to acknowledge a matchup with interim titleholder Aspinall.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'Most points off the bench in an NBA Finals game' quiz

The '50-goal NHL seasons since 2000-01' quiz

The '1,000-yard receivers in the 2024-25 NFL season' quiz

The 'Active NFL players with 1,000-yard rushing seasons' quiz

MMA News / Athlon Sports / June 6

UFC Coach Hints at Major Comeback for Francis Ngannou

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion and current PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou left the world's most elite mixed martial arts (MMA) organization on bad terms, however he might be open to a return.

MMA News / Athlon Sports / June 6

Francis Ngannou's Trainer Sends a Clear Message to Dana White About a Return to the UFC

Francis Ngannou has faced a difficult stretch in recent months—both professionally and personally. From grieving the loss of his son to navigating uncertainty in his combat sports career, the former UFC heavyweight champion has been forced to reevaluate his path.

MMA News / MMA on SI / June 6

Heavyweight legend reportedly open to making shocking UFC return

It appears a former UFC Heavyweight Champion could make a highly-anticipated return to the division he once ruled. But a lot will have to happen for this to become a reality although there’s a glimmer of hope UFC fans see one of their favorites return to the octagon.

MMA News / MMA Sucka / June 2

MMA and Boxing Crossovers

MMA and boxing are two sports that have long shared a somewhat complicated relationship, with them often being considered rivals in some respects or complementary to one another in others.

MMA News / MMA on SI / May 24

'Mini Francis Ngannou' gets second UFC fight booked after knockout debut

UFC's 'middleweight Francis Ngannou,' Ateba Gautier, is all good to go for his second UFC fight. Gautier (7-1) debuted with a knockout finish in March, finishing the durable José Medina with a knee in the first round.

MMA News / MMA on SI / May 23

Francis Ngannou quotes Mike Tyson in first message since bike accident

Francis Ngannou has finally opened up in a social media post since being involved in a horrific incident over the Easter holidays. Ngannou was involved in a motorbike accident in Cameroon, which resulted in the death of 17-year-old Ntsama Brigitte Manuella.

MMA News / The SportsRush / May 23

Ex-UFC Heavyweight Joins Jon Jones-Owned MMA League Competing Dana White & Co.

Dirty Boxing, a new MMA league in the competitive world of combat sports, continues to go from strength to strength, adding another former UFC talent to its highly anticipated upcoming event.

MMA News / Athlon Sports / May 20

New Details Emerge in Fatal Crash Involving Francis Ngannou: Report

Francis Ngannou made headlines over Easter weekend following reports of his involvement in a fatal motorcycle accident in Cameroon. The incident was widely covered across media outlets and stirred intense speculation online.

MMA News / Larry Brown Sports / May 3

Francis Ngannou issues statement after woman he hit on motorcycle dies

Francis Ngannou issued a statement Friday regarding the motorcycle accident he was involved in that resulted in the death of a woman. News reports circulated earlier this week saying that Ngannou was in Cameroon riding a motorcycle and had hit a woman who was returning home from an outing with friends.

MMA News / BoxingNews.com / April 30

Ngannou Allegedly Involved In Deadly Motorbike Accident

Francis Ngannou allegedly crashed his motorbike, killing female Ntsama Brigitte Manuella in a tragic accident. According to reports, this occurred in Yaoundé, Cameroon, as Ngannou’s bike hit the deceased while she was making her way home.

Boxing News / Yardbarker / February 20

Three boxing fights Francis Ngannou is eyeing in 2025

Following high-profile losses to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Ngannou is determined to reset and explore new opportunities in the sport.

Jared Cannonier's UFC Vegas 102 win does not put him back in title contention

Angela Hill is 100 percent worthy of UFC Hall of Fame

The best pound-for-pound boxers of the past 30 years

The 'Famous boxing upsets' quiz

MMA News / MMA Weekly / November 28

Francis Ngannou goes out of control, beats up sparring partner

Francis Ngannou is arguably one of the scariest men to ever step into a mixed martial arts cage, but rumors suggest that he keeps the same energy in the gym.