Dana White and Francis Ngannou's management in furious spat after UFC announce shock interim heavyweight title

DANA WHITE has become embroiled in a furious war of words with Francis Ngannou's management.

The UFC president, 51, wrapped the heavyweight belt around Ngannou's waist just three months ago.

But he shocked MMA fans around the world yesterday, by announcing an interim heavyweight championship bout for UFC 265 between Derrick Lewis and Ciryl Gane.

The move is highly unusual, with Ngannou having held the belt for such a short amount of time.

Stipe Miocic, the man The Predator dethroned back in March, was allowed a year and eight months between his last two championship defences.

But after turning down an August defence against Lewis, Ngannou will already have to watch a heavyweight strap being wrapped around someone else.

The man himself was less than impressed by the UFC's decision, tweeting last night: "I remember my interim title fight against Jairzinho …. oh wait."

And his manager Marquel Martin also revealed that he was 'shocked' in a statement.

White, however, hit back with a fiery response, writing on Instagram "This dude is so full of s***!


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"He knows exactly what’s going on and isn’t ‘shocked’ at all. Because we told him several times this was coming.

"His management is incompetent and hopefully Francis starts taking a look at new people to help his career."

Martin didn't take the insult lying down, and commented with a lengthy riposte of his own.

He blasted: "Complete shock with your decision after we said September was good for us.

"Complete shock that you guys made threats after less than three months after you all were aware.

"Complete shock after you knew why Francis needed more time. That is correct.

"I know you’re passionate but you are trying to discredit by integrity when I’ve been nothing but respectful to you, Hunter [Campbell] and your entire staff?

I think you really don’t like the fact that Francis is being represented by not only me but an entire agency, one which you can’t control

"Speaks more about you than it does me. I’m not even mad, I’m actually impressed that I’ve gotten your attention.

"Incompetent management? I think we’ve done a damn good job. I think you really don’t like the fact that Francis is being represented by not only me but an entire agency, one which you can’t control.

"Hence why you have people trying to rep him all the time to your benefit. I tell you what, let’s disclose everything for people to see. Emails, calls, texts, everything. Deal?

"Cause I’m ready to get blackballed by the UFC. I’m not defined by it, you or anyone else for that matter. How’s that sound? Sincerely, your old employee, Marquel Martin."


After Ngannou's stunning knockout of Stipe Miocic, the MMA community began to salivate over the prospect of the Cameroonian fighting Jon Jones next time around.

But with no terms having been agreed with Jones, fans became resigned to Lewis getting another shot at the belt, after his victory over Curtis Blaydes.

Frenchman Gane, 31, entered the equation after his victory over Alexander Volkov at the weekend.

Lewis will fight Gane at UFC 265 with the winner virtually guaranteed a shot at Ngannou, in a card also headlined by Amanda Nunes' latest defence of her bantamweight belt, against the outspoken Julianna Pena.

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