Ariel Helwani Reacts To Dana White's Belt Snub of Francis Ngannou at UFC 270 - MMA Fighting

Ariel Helwani talks about #UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou's massive win at #UFC270, the dramatic circumstances leading up to the fight, his reaction to the media covering the event, the text message allegedly sent to Ngannou's manager, Dana White not putting the belt on Ngannou, and more.
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[@DrBeauHightower]

Imagine not promoting and paying s dominant heavyweight champion with a Hollywood Life story arc to save a few bucks

[@TKOTDtvMusic]

Right. Shit's crazy

[@archerversuslight]

@@dickiemolitsanti2213 my guy, money's always the reason stfu

[@thejoke2791]

@@dickiemolitsanti2213 You don't deserve your name. You don't get it.

[@theocjr.43]

And in the end, what has Dana achieved? He looks like an even bigger petty child, and Francis adds another chapter to his already incredible story.

[@winsalot84]

@@dickiemolitsanti2213 it was more than that. That was one of his sticking points but not the only one.

[@kingsleyagbaraka5119]

Thank you Ariel. Honestly I was beginning to think no one else understood the burden this guy carried and was carrying all these months, and into fight week. He just showed what a class of champion he is. Thank you again.

[@richpapathemillennium7388]

Thank u 💓

[@jayw1666]

Francis is a class act n great champion Ariel is a bag licker tho👅

[@jarnold1789]

Ariel is a class act and he stands up for the fighters. He's done a lot for the sport

[@chad8600]

Ariel is a cry baby just mad Dana knows he's a goof and isn't welcome in the ufc lol

[@kingsleyagbaraka5119]

@@chad8600 naah men. I don't think that's the case. Hate it or love it, Ariel has been the best so far... Mma journalism is In his back pockets. Besides, he makes waay more now. Why should he miss the Ufc so much. Ufc mostly gives you the exposure, and experience, but that's it. He has that already. 😄

[@jaredwilson28]

Dana really missed the boat on this one. He could’ve presented the belt to Francis, then gone to the press conference….and any disputes that they have going on could’ve been smoothed. He’s made it ten times worse now looking like a petulant child. Embarrassing.

[@hehehehehehehehehehe2881]

Fight sucked, your beast powerhouse starts wreastling. Frqncis is an idiot, honestly

[@BallJuiceOfZeus]

@@hehehehehehehehehehe2881 I bet he would spell better than you though

[@tsunax1400]

@@hehehehehehehehehehe2881 He's an idiot for winning the fight? For proving that he has a higher grappling IG than the interim champion? For not standing there getting pieced up? For not being explosive with a torn knee? I won't say the fight was good but Francis has proved that he's much better than anybody though. This is *mixed* martial arts, not boxing. Francis proved that he has a well rounded game and won against the 'new generation of heavyweight' with a torn knee. But yes Francis is the idiot and not your stupid ass

[@EmanXenon]

That guy is a fvcking Mafia period..

[@johncameron1133]

Sounds like you're ready to start your billion dollar company , you have my blessings

[@CanadianPrepper]

Ngannous bad knee may have ironically helped him win, forcing him to slow him down just enough that he had to rely on his strength and grappling. He may have lost if he was swinging for the fences and standing against Gane.

[@thorazine0076]

interesting perspective

[@caverys]

Ikr, imagine 50 leg kicks to that knee, which Gane can exceed in a stand off. Strategic Ngannou is just too much for them

[@caverys]

@UCau1xMVxbx86SUCHmBW_JKg and Ngannou is not coached by donkeys, y'all need to look at that perspective. It's not just about the fighters, it's an entire team of many 'humans' that make an athlete

[@Transylvanian.Cobras.CEO23]

@@thorazine0076 good luck

[@illiadmcswain3956]

Gane was gun shy, he certainly wasn't afraid of Derrik Lewis's one punch knockout power, and his leg kicks were non existent. Those "hurt knees" sure weren't apparent when he threw leg kicks or pushed Gane against the cage. Gane's corner sucked as well, not encouraging him to kick/strike more.

[@TimeBucks]

Ariel is dead on with this one

[@brennanhughes976]

Francis is an intimidating monster but he’s one of the nicest/respectful people in the sport. Deserves a lot more credit then he is given

[@thanosbustedinyourmum]

Why he gotta be a monster cuh he black?

[@stevenspilly]

@@thanosbustedinyourmum maybe cos he's a big, scary, knockout artist, UFC heavyweight champ??? If it makes you feel better Brock Lesnar is called a monster too for the same reason.

[@saigoneze4465]

Thats why it was so frustrating seeing fernando and everyone else bagging him out making him to be the bad guy

[@DWoodsII]

@@thanosbustedinyourmum dude stfu, you reaching. He’s a monster because he’s built like a Greek God and if he touches you, you go to sleep. The man is a Marvel Character

[@thanosbustedinyourmum]

@@DWoodsII so just because he's black he's some monster out of a marvel movie?? Nah he's just a man who worked to get the body he has he used to be skinny af. He put the work in to accomplish what he set out to be and that's a champ. No freak over here just hard work 💪

[@cam2x496]

Kudos for having the balls to call out the UFC and especially Dana for their disgraceful behavior. Very few from mma media will address it

[@Thunderfist_McBeefcake]

How can he present the belt when he's not even cageside?

[@jondon716]

Facts

[@katana_3558]

He Is anyways on the bad books ...

[@misocriallo4379]

Ariel has ALWAYS called out b.s.

[@misocriallo4379]

@T#3_♧r33n_$0c!@l!sT sooo...are you claiming that he did not criticize the UFC when he was with ESPN??? Because there are plenty of documented instances to the contrary, where he did just that very thing.

[@leanne3088]

The back story of Francis is such a inspiration. Im so glad he won. Its a shame for him to be treated like he is by the ufc.

[@j.hermanarmstrong]

He’s a millionaire. Wether he fights again or not. Let’s not feel too bad for him

[@HIPHOPARUNAN]

@@j.hermanarmstrong still underpaid

[@genericwhitemale5616]

He won when left his country and snuck into another

[@jazzfunknsoul]

@@genericwhitemale5616 found a brit

[@johnnysanchez4996]

You’re so misinformed. He was literally homeless before the UFC took him in. Do you see the house he lives in? His clothes he was wearing in the press conference cost more than most Americans make in a year. Say what you want about the UFC. The fact is he would still be eating out of a dumpster if it wasn’t for Dana and the UFC.

[@MrAdal206]

Francis is a beast for fighting through that injury after being told by the doctors not to fight, especially being in a situation with the UFC. He had everything to lose but still fought. Love to you Francis!

[@chukwuemekaeze7086]

Kamari Usman and Justin Gatheje helped him out.

[@genericwhitemale5616]

Fake news

[@THE-CHAMPION-HAS-A-NAME]

Its called his job....

[@tookhertotheo7803]

@@THE-CHAMPION-HAS-A-NAME yup. A job YOU could never pluck the courage up to go and do. Show some respect. Stick to mending U Bends bro.

[@justinbmxallday3239]

Dude that was just fib he said to sound badass

[@jamesodwyer4181]

Given his past, and the path he's taken to his current achievements, this is one hell of a traditional 'hero's journey' playing out in real life within the Octagon. What an amazing man.

[@joaoalegria7578]

Absolutely, and what a man of integrity that stands for what he believes having the balls to go against the system. Truly an inspiration!

[@deeuz5230]

@@colnathanrjessup687 lmao definitely francis. Dana is the villian in this story.

[@justaguyonyoutube]

Lmao no, he's just a spoiled brat

[@justaguyonyoutube]

@@Rezcuz dead serious, the guy is super delusional acting like he is an actual name in the sport or like he's been underpaid. The guy makes $500,000 to show being a nobody outside of the MMA bubble, that's killer money. His fangirls are just as ignorant as his manager though, he breached his own contract yet the casuals do olympic level mental gymnastics to try to spin it like he's a victim. The reality is that Francis is a B tier guy who is demanding far more than he's earned.

[@kars7181]

Dana’s just going to be egotistical and frankly petty about these kindof situations and just use the ol reliable “this is the fight game” excuse when he gets criticism. Pay the fighters!

[@indeedConfirmed]

😂😂😂 oh stfu your entire comment made zero sense

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

hes an absolute bell end

[@rhysowens8876]

@@indeedConfirmed no it does you just have trouble understanding simple things clearly

[@jimobrien691]

Dana pays bro

[@owenkirby8998]

@@jimobrien691 yea sure he pays but they need to be paid way more

[@mikeJohnson-ie2md]

To be down the first two rounds then do a comeback to win rounds 3, 4, and 5, is a perfect ending for the movie-like story that is the life of Francis Ngannou, and his rise from the sand mines of Africa to becoming UFC champion and the baddest man on the planet. Ngannou conquers the Sahara desert multiple times to finally make it to France, is homeless and undocumented, trains a sport that is not yet legalized in his adopted nation, fights for a championship in record time, loses the competition and is set back for several years, returns to win the championship, defends against a phenom that was supposed to be better than him in every facet against knockout power, and then finds a way to outpoint this point fighting, technical phenom (who just happens to be his former teammate and training partner) in a manner void of his knockout ability. The true story is almost unbelievable. This will certainly be a movie one day (hopefully in our lifetime).

[@serious409]

He lost 5 , was taken down twice and out struck

[@evaristusristus]

I would like to write a script for a movie on Francis Ngannou. His story is so intriguing. God bless him.

[@dibiancic.7630]

I think we are leaving literally with a legend but we don't know at that moment. Something similar to Muhammad Ali (may be not the same level) Something very inspirational for the next generation 👏👏👏

[@gokolink]

Might even have to be a two parter, the Africa arc and the international arc...

[@brian_frey]

UFC's stated NET revenue last quarter was $63 million. That's a quarter BILLION dollars per year profit, after payroll of actual employees. NO ONE making a living fighting for this company should be struggling financially.

[@3PiD3MiCGX]

I stand by your statement overall but I think your maths is wrong.

[@mz5138]

@@3PiD3MiCGX He said quarter, as in quarter of a year. 4x62=248 that would be in millions of course. You’re welcome, the next time I have to charge you.

[@uttamjeetsingh7451]

That's peanuts.

[@samchs222]

On average, say all contracted fighters are 500, the UFC can allocate 100 000 USD per person adjusted according to the level of the fighters. That's 50 000, 000 from the annual income. Apparently this is too much for UFC

[@ByteBanditBob]

@@samchs222 THIS!

[@moonstriderluxmana2876]

Well spoken Helwani. Refreshing to hear someone talk about the sport and the current drama who isn’t limited to sound bytes.

[@sideeggunnecessary]

Imagine being attached to Dana's balls like all the espn shills are

[@zccau2316]

Have no clue how Dana holds onto so much power

[@JCooperAudioSystems]

Bro, Ngannou fought the Sahara, Morocco's forests, migrant camps, massive Spanish border fences, the Mediterranean, Spanish prison and Parisian streets. The UFC has no idea what they are up against and this will be their undoing. Coaches, former teammates, contracts, Dana and so on pale in comparison to the adversity this man has overcome. He has proven one thing: he can overcome adversity not simply because of his body but his spirit is unbreakable. Bravo Ngannou.

[@theeternalnow6506]

Well said. I hope he leaves and gets paid.

[@nix6175]

Thats like me bro

[@PetLion]

Preach Brother, Preaeeaacchh... The Company has no idea of what they are up against. I also think it's unfair that Uncle Dana promoted the Mcgregor Floyd Boxing Exhibition but 'hesitates' to promote Ngannou Fury Boxing Bout.

[@mikeJohnson-ie2md]

Francis's injured knee explains why he seemed so much slower and less explosive than usual in UFC 270. He never lunged or tried to blitz Gane. I still believe Ngannou can knock Gane out in a rematch.

[@derekd7756]

@Eight Loco You’re a clown for that statement. The injury report has been confirmed by multiple sources. Even the UFC was aware. Bum.

[@mmaphilosophy]

@Eight Loco Face it. Ngannou beat Gane on one leg

[@AngeliRivera92]

@@derekd7756 thank you and it’s crazy how people think they know what’s going on and still

[@AngeliRivera92]

@@coreyufc3916 what? I just agree with the dude that he was injured and the other guy said his injury is Sus so I’m confused why you replying and saying it’s proven by many sources when we agree he was injured 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@coreyufc3916]

@@AngeliRivera92 my bad glad to see you ain’t casual keep it up! Do you think they’re gonna cut Francis?

[@deljones07]

Dana White disrepected Francis in front of the world knowing he was dealing injury, was being fake all week long hoping he would lose. I really hope Francis never fights in the UFC again. Cash out with boxing and enjoy life.

[@sugabender2119]

Respect has to be earnt mate, dont give it don't receive it

[@Outside_The_Wall]

@@sugabender2119 Huh? In what way haven't Francis been respectful towards UFC? Because he doesn't accept that they are low balling him?

[@lukasbelinski1268]

your right

[@sugabender2119]

@@Outside_The_Wall Where would Francis be without the ufc? I guarantee you wouldn't even know who he is. don't bite hand that fed you

[@jeepamir508]

@@sugabender2119, oh, so we're just ignoring the fact that they created an interim title fight when Francis was ready to fight, but a little bit later cause he had just defeated Stipe? Or the fact that they promoted Gane (Interim champ mind you) as the actual champ, when Francis was still in town... Yeah, he must totally respect them in return after that

[@dakotamurray554]

I like you Ariel you might get to people and piss them off, but honestly you are a good dude and you tell it how it is. Thank you for being the spokesman for all fighting/combat sports

[@gruntperformance6284]

My ass you must be new and forgot when ufc allowed ariel at the press conference 😂😂😂

[@scottcannon1383]

@@gruntperformance6284 you mean towards the start of his career when he was busting into mainstream mma media? Sure he doesn’t care about burning bridges with the ufc anymore but you have to give credit where credits due my man

[@gruntperformance6284]

@@scottcannon1383 Ariel is a sports reporting rejects

[@madgavin7568]

@@gruntperformance6284 You are an Internet troll.

[@gruntperformance6284]

@@madgavin7568 no way

[@aboutthemetal8783]

The way the UFC called the fight a unification fight was so disrespectful , it was a title defence we all know that , they really tried every tactic possible to cause Francis to lose, well done Francis , also well done to Cyril, the pressure the UFC must have been putting on him to beat Francis will have affected Cyril massively .

[@speedy0834]

Just because of this Francis is my new favorite fighter. He's so much more than just a fighter in the cage, he also is one of the best fighters in life.

[@DH-vy8hw]

Wanted Cyril to win, but Francis gained my RESPECT!

[@marcelletalksmma]

Same.

[@ch3wyboy]

Dana walks out and with his best Vince McMahon voice “Dana didn’t screw Francis, Francis screwed Francis”

[@ep3578]

Great reference 🔥🔥🔥

[@kkb892]

😂😂😂😂

[@waqasraza688]

and then tears both his quads after his power walk.

[@ihavetubes]

Dana: me and you for the belt Francis. Francis: excellent 👍 Dana: in a handicap match! Francis: 😨

[@REDANDSILVER741]

The way Ariel puts this fight and the outcome in perspective. Francis won the ultimate gamble. The world is now watching what the UFC does with Francis because this will dictate the future for any other star. Depending on how this works out for Francis, this could be the blueprint fighters do. Hold out on the UFC and fight out your contract. Rooting for the UFC to cave in and make a real partnership contract.

[@derekd7756]

Yup. I hear Izzy is refusing to sign a new contract. He has 1 fight left after the Whittaker fight and wants to fight out the contract. So yeah, the top fighters are watching.

[@jarnold1789]

@@derekd7756 Very interesting. I'm so curious to see what comes of this, it feels like this trend of contract disputes and general talk about fighter pay is going to result in something changing. But maybe I'm just being optimistic

[@johnbu9098]

Someone has to do it, it’s the best when the big HW bro do it for all his little brothers.

[@nazeernazar3359]

Even if Francis leaves. Nothing going to happen to ufc .they will create a new star.he will go and fight Fury .then he will lose collect his cash and go home.ufc not going to let him fight fury while he is still the champion.its bad for the company. They did it once .they not doing it again

[@Elev8Lifestyle]

Someone should also thank Jake Paul for what he's doing- certainly not a fan of JP, but must respect ✊, it's contributing to all this

[@jak3brap10]

Ariel’s love for the fighters is amazing to see. Say what you want about him as a journalist but he clearly loves this sport and the fighters and appreciates them so much. Respect.

[@jak3brap10]

@Sydney Lloyd no way

[@paleo704]

He’s a great journalist. One of the very few in the MMA media

[@shanevazquez684]

Don't be fooled.He doesn't love anyone all he does is stir up things and start conflict.

[@jak3brap10]

@@shanevazquez684 Dana? Is that you?

[@shanevazquez684]

@@jak3brap10 yup! Lol!!

[@steelersgoingfor7706]

Ariel is dead on with this one. Everything I thought about the whole fight week.

[@oozziehalifa4435]

All on a torn MCL and sprained ACL smh. Crazy! Francis a savage! Beast. Dana don’t care that much about his fighters of color. Black or brown. Those fighters can’t talk like Mcgregor does /did to Dana.

[@ceedub3966]

Yeah because he totally treated Stipe well. Clown.

[@nlgbreezy6444]

I will say McGregor is a huge name and up until recently was bringing in millions for the ufc. Not saying Francis doesn't deserve more pay or better treatment. But I will say people like McGregor and adesanya are the draw for the ufc right now.

[@caspernilsson5063]

Masvidal and Nate are still much bigger than Adesanya, he still hasn’t sold 1M ppv even with 3 title fights.

[@lukeowen1818]

Oh shut up. Race has nothing to do with it

[@oozziehalifa4435]

@@lukeowen1818 of course u would say that. What else who u say. Definitely not shut up to anyones face. Not u, I can tell lol. Some of you say, everything is about race in America. Not now tho right. Get the FOOH!

[@tacotacotington3638]

4:35 Completely true. Almost all of the “media members” asking questions nowadays don’t care in the slightest about the fighters, they just want something they can spin to be a viral clip.

[@wazzupidaug5]

ive never seen more of a "bite the hand that feeds you" mentality than with the general MMA media pool

[@kimjong699]

That was literally all Ariel did for years. Idk how he is complaining about it when he was the first to do it

[@roberjohnsmith]

@@kimjong699 have you ever told a lie? But let me guess, you think lying is a poor character trait? Now you're the hypocrite. Get over it. We all grow up. We all change. We all get different jobs. I used to work at a fast food place. J am vehemently against fast food diet. Can I not grow and evolve without being called a hypocrite?

[@tacotacotington3638]

@@kimjong699 Ariel asked questions Dana didn’t like, but they were questions the fans actually wondered. Baiting for a fighter to call someone out isn’t the same thing as what these people do, like the pink suit guy for example just coming to spit one liner insults at multiple fighters. Or outright insulting their performances afterwards like others are doing. Ariel cares about the fighters and always has.

[@MrElmofamily]

@@tacotacotington3638 amen! They need to just start letting fans ask questions at this point

[@handsolo1546]

Francis pulled it off against all odds. Dana still couldn't show him the respect to wrap the belt on him. Despite all the disputes that is your ufc heavyweight champ, show som respect

[@nbpersonal]

Just massive respect to Helwani for talking about this the way he is.

[@retasketa]

The outcome was completely different than I had expected. I can give you 20 reasons why cyril SHOULD have won. But I was more confident in ngannou finding his target at least once within 2 rounds. Cyril seemed to be the better fighter. Rounds 3, 4 and 5 will likely favor gane. No... ngannou showed how he is the more complete fighter. He took rounds 3, 4 and 5 using multiple seemingly new techniques. Offensive take downs, judo throws and even a reversal from bottom. Ngannou showed he can persevere and has an on gas tank. Gane looked just as tired. He broke gane physically and mentally. Craziness. I wish nothing but the best for ngannou in his future endeavors. He's earned them. I'll follow him as a fan if he decides to box. He'll be the underdog there too. Lol

[@serious409]

He lost 5.. out struck and taken down twice

[@danmcclure7883]

Kinda funny that the PPV price point went up right before this ppv too…. So Francis will naturally have lower numbers and therefor less of a bargaining tool.

[@isaiahmohi455]

Plus I feel as if they purposely tanked this card so Francis would have no leverage

[@Nozylatten]

Looking way to Into it man, you can't do that unless all the investors agree. Its just Dana's personal BS with Francis.

[@brandoncinpubadj]

Good Catch! They did not promote this fight at all either. Not like they would have would this contract dispute not be going on.

[@ramonbriones4487]

Plus, nobody in their right mind pays for ppv anymore lol

[@t4ngo_kilo]

Dana sucks & is a petty middle schooler, but ESPN Controls the ppv prices, Dana has recently said he’s not happy that ESPN just raised it.

[@edwardbramlett9861]

Ariel is the greatest sports reporter there is; very informative and non biased. You can tell he CARES about his job and the people he works with, truly a legend in my eyes.

[@boduke9428]

You need to borrow Francis knee pads?? If he was that great the UFC wouldn't have banned him and ESPN wouldn't have let him go. Ariel is a troll and hypocrite. Calling out UFC press conferences when he was the one asking dumb questions when they let him in. Notice how Ariel didn't mention the pathetic PPV buy rate for Saturday's event? That wouldn't fit his narrative of why the UFC overpaying Francis. Dude turned down at least 7 million the last 2 fights by his own accounting. Let him go box Fury and see what he gets offered after that.

[@misspacino4081]

@@boduke9428 if you don’t like Ariel or think all that of him then why are you watching his podcast? And reading through && replying under Ariel’s comment section? 😩😂 lmao

[@boduke9428]

@@misspacino4081 it's a thing youngsters are doing these days called "trolling". Use the Google to look it up since you don't understand it.

[@paleobiology]

@@boduke9428 yeah you’re trolling but you bad at it

[@boduke9428]

@@paleobiology you responded to it as expected...

[@DJReyzor357]

Ariel Helwani was having flashbacks of the Montreal Screwjob Survivor Series 1997

[@mikenegri92]

Absolute classless move by Dana to not put the belt around his waist so odd he clearly wanted him to loose I hope someone asks him about this next week

[@davidrichards6059]

Same thing he did to Woodley.

[@mmadigest]

Ngannou will leave the UFC to wrestle in the Olympics💯

[@ltrane81]

That’s the dumbest comment ever

[@updownleftrightish]

@@ltrane81 I’d hate to not understand humour how is it?

[@blankface40]

@@updownleftrightish Let him live his life clearly sucks 😭

[@EmmanueliAdzoh]

💯💯💯

[@delatroy]

I was confident that Gane was going to win pretty easily and I think he would have until Francis came out like a completely different fighter.. way more rounded. Reversal sweeps, ground control, take downs.. crazy. Hope he leaves so he can get paid 😬

[@Bill-Butcher]

Why as s fan of MMA that wants to see the best fights would you want Ngannou to leave the top organisation? 🤷 I can understand you having sympathy for Ngannou (even though we'll never find out the full truth) but if you don't know him personally, why would you want him to leave the UFC?

[@jondon716]

@@Bill-Butcher Idk if anyone really wants him to leave the UFC but on a respect level as fans of Ngannou the individual fighter. If the Top promotion won't pay you what your worth but Bellator, ONEFC,RIZIN, Or some other organization makes him the steak and potatoes of the organization like the UFC did Brock Lesnar why shouldn't he. I remember a time where damn near every time you say a UFC commercial, game advertisement of magazine add you saw Lesnar. I just hope he goes where he feels he's celebrated and not tolerated. Cheers bruv.🤝

[@alcottdevalte7440]

I had Gane winning the fight...

[@DestinsAPigeon]

@@Bill-Butcher morals.

[@favreinready]

That sweep was slick. I haven't seen that one in years if ever im Ufc..

[@gerardocanela2650]

I found francis wrestling super impressive that reverse he did from his back I was like wow

[@hehehehehehehehehehe2881]

I wanted my money back. 2 guys scared to fight was alli saw

[@rhysowens8876]

he wrestled a kickboxer who has only fought kickboxers since hes entered the ufc fight was shitty, jon jones tears them both in half

[@alessandrodavi2897]

Hehehehehe hehehehe Cut it troll. You are everywhere. Go watch bareknuckle.

[@eveningstar7812]

@@hehehehehehehehehehe2881 Watch a different sport then

[@Airmcbreezy]

@@hehehehehehehehehehe2881 your on every comment like a femal---crawl back in your hole clown

[@ceceroxy2227]

He should continue with his grappling, he is so big and powerful, his pressure could be enormous on top.

[@ddf5878]

@@colnathanrjessup687 Ngannou

[@silenciothequiet3471]

Wrestling, just like Judo, is underrated.

[@VictorHolmanWebsite]

“They are who we thought they were…” … classic

[@spfdff]

I gotta tell you, when Francis got taken down and was on the bottom during that last round… he could have easily gone flat and gave in… But Francis battled and DAMN did he perform a beautiful sweep to take top position. It was a gutty beautiful display.

[@jamesf8507]

he almost finished him by ground control. Oh wait, ground control is not effective grappling. According to the rules.

[@immyhussain283]

Yes it was 2-2 goin into final round....that could've been it for Frank...but what a sweep and reversal

[@patstaysuckafreeboss8006]

Lucky for francis gane went for that dumb heel hook 🤦‍♂️

[@7777wilson1]

@@patstaysuckafreeboss8006 And Gane totally GASSED OUT TOO!~!!

[@flynn_prall]

@@immyhussain283 .zbk xi

[@documax123]

From start to finish, this was a great piece. Helwani at his unique best.

[@seraphicrecon]

Helwani gets my respect on this one.

[@mndflctzn]

It's hard to know Ngannou's story and not become a huge fan. He's got class and power.

[@valensalas]

Thank you Ariel, for shedding light on Francis perspective. The UFC should negotiate with them, get a cut of their boxing matches, and let them come back into ufc, just like they did mcgregor.

[@misspacino4081]

Them? lol

[@zeph3187]

Great video. This is the only video where someone has gone this in depth regarding Francis and his contract negotiations. Best case scenario for the UFC was Francis losing so they can pay the next champ

[@johnnysanchez4996]

When you own a business you hire employee’s to make money off of. That’s the entire point of hiring employee’s. So they can make you money.

[@imafunguy007]

@@johnnysanchez4996 gtfo your knees you’re really in here defending the pink tomato in every comment lmao 🤣

[@johnnysanchez4996]

@@imafunguy007 And you’re literally click every comment to read mine. What’s your point?

[@zeph3187]

@@johnnysanchez4996 okay well the next job you have should keep that energy with you and pay you federal minimum wage since you agree that they stand to make a profit off of you.

[@johnnysanchez4996]

@@zeph3187 Yea I don’t have to worry about that.

[@updownleftrightish]

This will be the biggest change to the UFC model since Connor got big, the chances of one of there most well known stars leaving in his prime with the belt is long odds and UFC just lost this is hopefully the start of better fighter pay. The purse on Saturday was embarrassing.

[@ferrari_car_driverlaferrar6574]

Shengus I try to find out about the purse amount and I couldn't find any info What was the purse on Saturday fight?

[@dave93x]

Dana and the UFC have let bigger names than Ngannou go numerous times. If the fighter doesn't do huge (even good) numbers, they will do it very easily. Francis will likely be inactive until this time next year when he's free from his contract and looking for another place to fight

[@dave93x]

@@ferrari_car_driverlaferrar6574 I think Ngannou got 600k base purse

[@updownleftrightish]

@@ferrari_car_driverlaferrar6574 total purse for all fighters was under 2 million dollars obviously excludes the 3 champs points on Ppv

[@updownleftrightish]

@@dave93x they weren’t nearly the biggest sport in the world then, you can’t get over that line letting go the baddest man on the planet

[@christopherhenson5509]

Yup, Dana White has an established track record of treating afro american MMA Fighters like they're less than worth his time, his actions are very telling

[@youbetteramd8704]

He’s not Afro American

[@mmuo3087]

@@youbetteramd8704 still afro. Don't think Dana sees any difference

[@christopherhenson5509]

@@youbetteramd8704 Francis is not, Tyron is And Dana White has a very strong disdain for afro american MMA fighters

[@destinybiosah-o8b]

Ariel! Your parents raised you well. I know your family is proud of the man you are. Many will shy away from truth but you did not. History will remember not just you but your family. Nuff respect bro.

[@Smokeyxz]

A rare moment when I’m on Ariel’s side. Well done.

[@azahussain87]

I know same here I’m surprised I like everything what he said

[@josephj1973]

Ngannou had already experienced next level hardship prior to fighting in the UFC. That's why he was able to deal with everything Ariel had mentioned in the beginning of the video.

[@johnnysanchez4996]

He was also homeless before the UFC. He should be kissing Dana’s feet.

[@faresBtoush1990]

@@johnnysanchez4996 it's not like Dana adopted an orphan. He's paid because he's a top athlete at the sport. It's not philanthropy my guy.

[@DawryMike]

@@dickiemolitsanti2213 I doubt you have gone through a tenth of the hardship Francis went through

[@johnnysanchez4996]

@@faresBtoush1990 A top athlete at a sport that wouldn’t exist as a high paying career if it wasn’t for Dana. Francis would be looking for a philanthropic institution to feed him right now if it wasn’t for Dana and the UFC my dude.

[@lilmixdboy]

@@johnnysanchez4996 that does not matter. Dana also would not have all his establishment if it wasn't for the fighters. And people want to see Francis fight now matter where

[@lukasbelinski1268]

after the way dana has treated francis if i was him i would leave the ufc you can't trust dana he's a weasel.And what's with the text that was sent to francis manager they better find out who sent that.

[@mattbardon6390]

What Text?

[@13bh12]

WHAT TEXT LUKAS AWNSER THE DAMN QUESTION!?

[@jino9048]

@Eight Loco The text his manager got the morning of the fight

[@lukasbelinski1268]

@@13bh12 just look up francis manager text.you will see its pretty bad

[@lukasbelinski1268]

@Eight Loco francis manager got a text the morning of the fight look it up it's pretty bad.

[@ktkatalouni7483]

U R a good dude ariel....far away of hypocrisy ,lies and rumours....always clear and honest ....good job as usual

[@TheDavidcartwright]

Remember when Cain lost to JDS and the narrative was just about Cain blowning his knee prior to it, just goes to show you how impressive Francis’s win over Gane is. What a performance considering all those hurdles. Ariel since you went (I don’t know the correct word) freelance you have been absolutely on fire. You’ll impartiality, knowledge and output is unmatched. Your respect to the good people in this wonderful sport is great to see. Well done Sir 👏🏻

[@ernestolongoria1221]

Ariel is spot on with everything he is saying here! I used to want to give Dana the benefit of the doubt but I can’t anymore!

[@akamihechinemerem7851]

Thank you so much for saying all this. Very few people see it from this perspective Francis went through a lot.

[@lukasbelinski1268]

ufc never sold this fight like they should other than the main event and co-main the card could have had more names we all know for the price they charge

[@charliewaters2259]

Tbf about 11 fights on this card got cancelled but I get your point

[@TheJaiDaddy]

Look Shemp, That HW snooze fest put everyone to sleep. Dana fell asleep in the back. A staffer woke up Maynard, that's what really happened. Har-whinny is a lame, effeminate gossip queen. HE has repeatedly shown who HE (she?) is... A hole...

[@RV103]

@@TheJaiDaddy you’re a clown

[@faresBtoush1990]

We already know Francis has the touch of death that's old news. I was much more impressed with his evolution incorporating wrestling into his arsenal.

[@branchworthism]

Considering where Francis came from in this short amount of time, developing his skills in what he loves, learning a new language, knocking out legends, how can everyone not love Francis, I'm so happy for him, what a guy honestly.

[@aliyuolalekan8276]

Finally, someone covering the situation well. I almost 🤮 watching Chael's coverage of the situation. Thanks Ariel.

[@silenciothequiet3471]

They have this condiment in the UK called Marmite, it is .. controversial to put it mildly. Chael Sonnen is the Marmite of MMA, you hate him or love him, not because he makes insightful commentaries but because he says stupid shits with flair, if that makes sense. 😂

[@xxmouse2k12xx]

Thank you Ariel, one of the goats of the sport, seriously love the pro fighter content

[@wizardseizure]

Imagine all the champions go on strike. Or even just Izzy and Usman with Francis

[@optic498]

Would be good way to start a movement have all the ufc champions demend more respect

[@hiibillymayshere4238]

Honestly, When Gane had that lock on Ngannou, even if it was successful, i don't think he'd ever tap. I could see him letting it break before he tapped. He just seems to have that type of Willpower. African immigrant mentality and willpower is insane. A true warrior.

[@struesbob7493]

I haven't heard this podcast nor have I listen to the reasons for not putting on the belt. But.....I can tell you this much Francis is the heavy weight champion and you can't take that away from him. Uncle Dana you should of put the belt on him full stop.

[@dr.loomis4221]

Imagine not promoting and paying a dominant heavyweight champion with a Hollywood Life story arc to save a few dollars. Francis is an intimidating monster, but he’s one of the nicest and respectful people in the sport. He deserves a lot more credit than he is given.

[@xxmouse2k12xx]

Facts

[@madgavin7568]

Francis is one of, if not the most marketable fighter on the current UFC roster outside of Conor. He should be a household name, his rags to riches journey is so inspiring everyone should know about it. But whoever is running the show is an absolute bonehead for not realising this, instead preferring to squander cross-over superstar potential out of petty vindictiveness.

[@billiamGoat]

Imagine the power he would have if him. Kimura usman and izzy come together with him. 3 big champions

[@scubaseppy]

He got the Chris Cyborg treatment.

[@maxspears6030]

Exactly why I live on free streams for all the fights. I could be a millionaire and still would never purchase UFC PPV. Dana can kick rocks.

[@fodaysaccoh3472]

Ariel helwani has a good heart, what a guy, great analysis

[@TeamMBaku88]

The fans disrespected Francis saying he was a hype job after being beat by Stipe and now the Dana snub. Us fans and UFC in general don't deserve the greatness Francis has delivered.

[@bigben4900]

Dana white’s plan to sabotage ngannou failing is the best feeling this year yet. Such a bully.

[@BGLNZ]

Totally agree. And yep those press conferences are jokes man. Feel like all those so called ‘reporters’ today just want to create drama by attacking a fighter and gain fame by it. It’s horrendous man.

[@boduke9428]

That's exactly what Ariel does every time he interviews a fighter. He ask dumb questions trying to get a reaction. There's a reason so many hate him. He's a total hypocrite that hates Dana because Dana saw right through him and called him out. He's loving any drama he can create to make the UFC and Dana look bad because Dana made him have a feeling. That card sold like 200k buys. Anyone who didn't purchase it can't complain about Francis not getting paid. If I'd just broke a million then they'd roll out the brinks truck for him. It doesn't matter how freaking nice anyone is, if they can't sell fights then it's stupid to suggest paying them millions and millions. Conor McTapper is a scum bag but he sells tickets and PPV's. It's similar to ESPN, nobody watched Ariel so they couldn't justify paying him. It's a freaking business, not a nicest fighter contest. Sorry, not yelling at you. Ariel just irritates me, I can't stand a hypocrite. A hypocrite with that Ariel victimhood mentality is even worse.

[@caspar_gomez]

@@boduke9428 OK dana you're getting boring

[@bestkisser100]

With that level of disrespect and unscrupulousness, I am no longer a fan of the UFC, Dana is rather toxic. Many men are great at business, but are horrible human beings!!!!

[@hameedcole]

I share your sentiment.. 👌🏿

[@ceedub3966]

Bye. Some of us love the sport itself and don't give two shits about Dana.

[@tippitytappityviii9950]

Made me really respect Francis dealing with all of this pressure and stress he showed a level of composure he never has before during a fight.

[@philipperosenthal9613]

Thank you 🙏 thank you 🙏 thank you Ariel I’m French and since the fight I’m so sad that Ciryl loose the fight.. But the way you tell the story change my mind … I had the feeling that Francis want to write the perfect story… He never really complain…even when Fernand Lopez says bad things on him ( true or false I don’t know) … The Master Class isn’t only in the Cage…. Thanks Ariel I feel much better after listening to you

[@geoff4705]

Absolutely brilliant piece of opinion journalism. Ariel off the chain is the very best in his business.

[@nomurakenta2980]

I just hope John Morgan or Kevin Iole asks Dana in the next press conference why he left and didn’t show up to the post fight conference.

[@KeyserSoze23]

Those lackeys? Better chance "The Schmoe" does.

[@tyzilla87]

Considering everything Francis was dealing with leading up to the fight, and then his performance on the ground, Francis was greatly impressive

[@jamesf8507]

those 3 extremely light GnP blows and zero sub attempts were pretty impressive

[@rippindrummer666]

Awww I’m sorry your boy lost

[@ALECtheRUSH]

One of the biggest fights ever, not just for how good these guys are but the storyline and then how the fight played out. It’s amazing. Instant classic I think and one of the biggest wins in UFC history

[@patrast4464]

Liked and respected Francis Ngannou before this fight but this guy really is a great human being .. Thank you Ariel for shedding light on an individuals struggle so the world can see the importance of paying deserving athletes what they are worth.. such as Francis , Gegard Mousasi , the Rory Macdonalds etc..

[@gregb9452]

Not only did Dana lose money because I’m pretty sure he counted his chickens before they hatched but he didn’t want Francias to win. I mean to me this was like Dana putting Ben in there with Robbie Lawyer and Ben won surprisingly but Dana’s motive was for Ben to lose and he didn’t. But he replied about Ben and not francias 🧐 🤔..

[@manuelsalvatierra2940]

Dana wanted Francis to win in the first Stipe fight, now he wanted Francis to lose.

[@jhammer7441]

ya thats incorrect.

[@SethsIdleMpeg]

Grateful for your stalwart and persistent defense of fighters and of their rights, and I acknowledge your sensitivity to all the power dynamics at play. And thank you for being so loud in your appreciation of his performance. Everything about Saturday night blew me away. I was crying, and I was dumbfounded when I encountered anyone who didn't understand why. Thank you.

[@Jonbombs]

You were crying? Really?

[@Marc-NZ]

I felt embarrassed about Dana that night...All he's been accomplished seems like less important now..that was really bad for a business man...

[@marcosleon215]

Dana is a successful business man your not

[@Marc-NZ]

@@marcosleon215 as you can read " about that night" specific time...and this comment is about my perception about him in that moment not about his perception about me... people nowadays can't even read a text properly before making comments about it lol

[@Marc-NZ]

@Ivan Moreno please read my reply below,.

[@courtneyhutchinson7105]

well said my man. much respect for your honesty and clarity on this issue.

[@TBE99]

Ngannou you’re inspiration man like Muhammed Ali and Floyd standing for what’s right. Don’t let them steal from you We Latinos, Arabs, Asians and Blacks are behind you Ngannou 💪🏾.

[@robbo4566]

Well said Ariel. Excellent analysis.

[@zeekthegeek4538]

Please do an interview with dana, you guy's dynamic is hilarious

[@Maartun]

mmafightingonsbn can’t pay Dana to get on the show 😉

[@taha3299]

How he can make an interview with the guy who hates him?

[@Ahmad-Str]

Are you new to mma?

[@J_Gar]

@Zeek the geek You must be new.

[@zeekthegeek4538]

They gotta squash the beef

[@srivatsan2056]

Same thing happened when Tyron won against Till

[@calvinhoward2277]

Look at the look on Cyril Gane face🤣🤣 looks like he wasn't expecting Francis to wrestle either 🤣🤣🤣

[@benstribbling6709]

Well well said Ariel. I think a lot of people respect what you've just said. Very well spoken

[@tal198]

I don’t care what you say Ariel is the best to ever do it period

[@juicyj3247]

I don’t see Ngannou fighting Fury whatsoever but what do you think the odds are if Francis doesn’t sign with the ufc that he’ll box fury? Does he need the ufc to make that fight happen or can he do it being a bellator, lfa, or any other promotion fighter ?

[@phelpsmofor438]

That wasn’t the Francis of knockout we know fighting out there. He was injured and had to take precautions to manage the fight. A lot was at stake for him if he lose. So next time we will see the original Francis.

[@ep3578]

The fury fight sounds great, but fury is tied up with Whyte, the WBC, and Usyk. Fury wouldn’t be around until another year at minimum. Most likely 18-24 months. Francis does not beat any top 25 hw tho, his boxing just is not there

[@CASSEMELLO]

Francis definitely deserves way more than what is paid. But I love how Ariel used the whole situation to get back at Dana White lol cute move 😆

[@tannerdorow5629]

I was already so relieved and excited about Francis's win, but this hyped me up even more. Thanks Ariel.

[@zackblaine4756]

Dana White is going to ruin the UFC mark my words

[@neverquit9414]

ARIEL.........You were the "BIGGEST" instigator of all time at press conferences.

[@jamesragnarok60]

Truth

[@alasmario44]

He's referring to people like pink suit guy telling McGregor that he got knocked out and insulting him instead of asking legitimate questions

[@brandonballou4387]

I could be wrong but I don't think we are going to see Francis again in the UFC. It's come out that they offered him a large amount of money but as the man said that's not everything. Health insurance freedom to compete in other Combat Sports and all of those other things that matter to him Dana is never going to budge on because he would have to do it for the other 600-plus Fighters. Francis believes in his principles and you can tell by the look in his eye he is willing to sit out his contract

[@boduke9428]

That's more if his loss than the UFC's. Reports are this event only sold 200k PPV's. They know who sells and who doesn't and pay accordingly. It's still a business at the end of the day. I think Dana is right to not let fighters compete in other combat sports while under contract. That's kinda the whole point of having contracts. I've never heard a fighter coming off a lopsided or very quick loss say they didn't earn their money. UFC takes all the financial risk in holding and promoting the events. Fighters pull out and don't perform every weekend, the UFC has only once canceled a show (Jon Jones and Dan Henderson fault) but they still took care of the other fighters.

[@Ty-oe4dr]

@@boduke9428 not sure how true that ppv statement is but its probably all according to plan. poorly promote the fight, increase the ppv price, bank on ngannou losing. also doeant help that several fights were cancelled. dana would be able to blame everything on ngannou and snuff him out had he lost. fortunately he won and had a fantastic post fight conference to top it off. dana needs to decide whether fighters are employees or independent contractors. he puts them in predatory contracts but then refuses to offer benefits like healthcare.

[@boduke9428]

@@Ty-oe4dr I will not swear to that number. I saw it on another site. I honestly don't believe there is or was any grand conspiracy against Francis by the UFC. The simple reason is what would be their motivation? They have lost much bigger draws and in fact continued to flourish. I honestly think they know how much each fighter is "worth" and pay accordingly. I know some fighters still make 12 and 12 but those fighters don't bring in 12 dollars themselves, much less 12,000. Those fighters are investments. The ufc would much rather have 700 Conors under contract and they try to build more every week. People don't realize the expense of running a company. Yes, that ppv cost $75. I'd be surprised if 25% of that is profit. Same with ticket sales. Not to mention the huge cost of promotion and advertising world wide. Now having stock holders to answer to its even more pressure. At the end of the day it's still a business. For instance if Francis went to box, he wouldn't be promoted or announced as just Francis, it'd be UFC heavyweight champ Francis. Without that first part Francis is much less valuable to boxing but the UFC gains nothing from it. How is that fair? They built and promoted him to this point then he and boxing go profit from it. That's what the contract is for. They invested in Francis when be couldn't draw flies, now that he's there they deserve to recoup their investment. Maybe I'm biased as a business owner but it completely makes sense to me. I've lost employees who over valued themselves. If you don't run your business based off numbers rather than feelings you most likely fail. Dana didn't ask for part of Francis or Lewis money back when they put on what's commonly referred to as the worst UFC fight in history. They never cancel cards due to poor ticket sales or any other reason but every week multiple fighters pull out or miss weight. Can't say the UFC doesn't uphold their end.

[@brandonballou4387]

@@boduke9428 don't misunderstand my post I don't disagree with anything you said. It's just obvious how proud of a man Francis is. it just sucks knowing that there's a good chance he won't fight for the promotion again

[@caspar_gomez]

They need to treat him fairly and they don't get that. Disrespected stipe, disrespected Ngannou. Imagine being heavyweight champion of the world and getting treated like a nobody. Shameful

[@Sixsoul]

Ngannou having the strap right now is great for the entire heavyweight divison. So happy he won

[@dushilibri8391]

Francis is just a blessed guy. This whole story is going somewhere good

[@herveylogang7456]

What a brilliant analysis . Francis isnt just a physical monster, he is an intelligent monster. I do believe he is God's messenger. Congrats CHAMPION!

[@ilovemyfamily2934]

Aeriel thanks for defending fighters even after being treated badly by Dana You are also one man Army against People like Dana Who are narrow minded and believes in favoritism.