UFC heavyweight champion turned PFL fighter, Francis Ngannou, has hit back at UFC President Dana White’s claims regarding his UFC exit. Ngannou countered White’s false statement that he had been released from the promotion by pointing out that his exit was due to the expiration of his previous UFC contract in December 2022.

Ngannou also dismissed White’s claim that he ‘wants to take zero risks’ and left the promotion because he didn’t want to fight current heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Ngannou pointed out that he defended his title with a severe knee injury and beat Ciryl Gane to unify the heavyweight title at UFC 270 to fulfill his contract with the UFC.

Additionally, Ngannou defended himself against White’s statement regarding his schedule during his time with the UFC. The former champ argued that long stretches of inactivity were the result of White’s attempt to “control my deal” and “freeze me out” when he declined to sign a new contract. He also said that he always asked for and never turned down any fight he was offered.

Ngannou ended his rebuttal with a direct message to White, questioning his opposition to his new PFL deal, which offers an equal and fair deal for all parties and gives him the opportunity to pursue a boxing match and become a board of directors member of PFL Africa.

Lastly, he renewed his call for a showdown with Tyson Fury after the heavyweight boxing champ targeted Jones. He ended his rebuttal with a challenge to White and Jones to reach out to PFL if they want the fight to happen. Ngannou also asked who is actually scared, Jon, him, or White himself and urged him to make up his mind.