Ariel Helwani Reacts to Francis Ngannou's UFC Departure, Dana White's Claims | The MMA Hour

Ariel Helwani discusses how former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou became a free agent and Ngannou’s relationship with the UFC and Dana White.
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[@stonecold316339]

Ngannou has wins over, Cain, Gane, Stipe, Blaydes, Overeem, JDS, Arlovski etc etc and #2 in KOs behind, "Black Beast" Derrick Lewis who has 25 total fights in the UFC compared to Ngannou's 14 total fights in the UFC to put into perspective! Yet Dana says he doesn't want tough fights?! Is there anyone out there DUMB ENOUGH to believe that nonsense?!

[@samuelgreen7684]

This is the kind of realities needed to keep this conversation in perspective. He’s also suffered adversity (both in and outside of the cage) and persevered to success. Hats off to him.

[@jandopineda98]

Would have fought DC if given the chance

[@zlMonsterx]

Cane was completely passed his prime when they fought a shell of his former self. He's 1-1 against stipe, he lost to derrick Lewis. And he was offered more money than Lesnar (Lesnar had over 10x the PPV buys that Ngannau had.) Lesnar's weakest PPV buy was 25k short of being Ngannaus total PPV buys. He's gonna get knocked out by anyone in the top 10 in heavyweight boxing and fade into irrelevance

[@pacwoodz]

​@@zlMonsterxdo you not see how sad that is having to type a whole ass paragraph trying to discredit a man's accomplishments?

[@mindyanosechamp2933]

None of them are Jon jones let’s be honest

[@shivengoberdan8884]

Ngannou went completely off script with this decision. All the respect to him for not bending down to Dana and the UFC

[@bobsmith962]

Yeah man. Hopefully he makes some $$$ boxing.

[@Roberto-nm8sw]

MAJOR mistake.

[@Myskinburns]

@litecoin satoshi legit, people are talking about a fury fight, since fury is probably fighting Usyk, that’s maybe another year that Ngannou will have to try and stay relevant and might not even get the fight anyway

[@BlakeLovesPoland]

@@jcbtche didn’t walk away from 10+ million. You don’t know the contract buddy

[@briannoble1022]

@@Roberto-nm8sw Says the NOBODY that no one cares what he thinks while living out of his mom's basement!!

[@SMac86]

Francis has a hero's story. His journey is remarkable. He earned my respect how after the exhausting, embarrasing loss to Stipe he overcame the adversity and honed his skill and came back to win in devestating fashion. Anyone claiming he is afraid to step in that ring with anyone is a fool. He has earned everything he's gotten, he has earned more than he's received from the UFC.

[@willym420]

He literally fought with bad knees against a great fighter for Dana to say he’s scared is a absolute Joke. I do think he’s making a mistake he goes to boxing gets embarrassed & no one will want to see him box again

[@Auxzide]

He's no more special than any other champion. You fight who the UFC tells you to fight and that is it. No ifs ands or buts

[@CreeCore94]

Who’s he even gonna box? In mma, he’s above average, but in boxing? he’s below, to mid tier at best. Wilder? Joshua? Ruiz? He can go to bellator, or ONE. But who has name value there? Such a weird and dumb spot to be in, he could’ve fought Jones, or rematched Gane and he would’ve pulled 3 million at the least. He has a hero story, yes. 100% no one can deny that he went through hell to get to the top, but the people who surround him are spitting poison in his ear, and the idea he can stand with the top heavyweight boxers is misguided and stupid.

[@blackheart8353]

The thing i see being looked over the most in fighter pay is PPV buys. Truth be told Francis doesnt sell PPVs like that (i researched the tapology ppv page that has the ppv numbers for boxing and mma). I agree Francis is an amazing talent and im not going to entertain that he doesnt want to fight Jones but i do question the contracts on all three sides. I think without seeing a signed contract people can talk all they want but im from the frame of thinking talk is talk. I can see Dana's views of he wants easier fights for money becuase that is exactly what happens in another organization (look at the difference in competion in PFL and Bellator). I get that he wants to have some boxing matches and feels the UFC is holding him in "Captivity" but from a business perspective if you arent really selliing PPVs for the UFC why would i split that with a boxing promoter if you we arent getting money like that now.

[@anthonystacy3344]

@Ethereal I think he made a huge mistake not taking the jones fight and your exactly right mma boxing and regular boxing is different if I'm not wrong he defended his title once against gane and how long has he been champ I'm actually glad they stripped the title and Ariel only talks about Dana anymore crying everyday about him not getting in trouble get over it

[@jonathanfrench6975]

dana white cant just let a guy go without slandering his name in a press conference and its getting old

[@phillipmorales6625]

Did the same thing with Diaz

[@bolo8923]

That's usual Dana.

[@thenedsmmachannel8970]

@Phillip Morales with Nate? Lies. He praised him and said the doors are always open and Nate has publicly stated that he never had issues with Dana. He did slander GSP though

[@zachnantz5304]

@@thenedsmmachannel8970 You haven't been paying attention if you think nate never had issues with dana lmaoo

[@paleo704]

@@phillipmorales6625 no he didn’t

[@gregmichael419]

One of the worst decisions Dana ever made was to make his beef with Ariel personal. Now Ariel makes it a point to dissect and dismantle every piece of noteworthy news that Dana breaks with little lag in response. It doesn’t really matter who is right/wrong (though Ariel’s collection of 10-7s across the globe is growing exponentially). If Dana would have just left him alone at ESPN, Ariel would be way more chill on him.

[@blumpkinexcalibur7523]

Why? None of this has any affect on Dana or the UFC as a business. Look at their bottom line. Biggest they've ever been.

[@gffsgcc]

Yea Dana does not think in those ways like at all, he'd laugh out loud reading this

[@WhiteMousse1980]

I got news for you- Dana is not adversely impacted by Ariel at all. That's one of the reasons why Ariel keeps getting more agitated

[@cuhmunitycarr140]

Well Ariel is supposed to be a legit journalist and not a vindictive coward

[@kylerasmussen8045]

@@blumpkinexcalibur7523 ariel is one of the biggest names in all of the mma community his words control big narratives for the fans that affect the UFC

[@Carestre]

Shout out to Ariel for calling Dana out. And also for showing Ngannou respect!

[@rajjogi77]

My respect and admiration for Ariel and his work has grown tenfolds after this episode 👏 🙌

[@philinegro]

I’m really proud of you Ariel. Real journalism, real truth to power.

[@messagestomylina]

Bro what ? This was nothing but one sided bias , not good journalism at all , he's still salty at Dana and it shows , he can't hide his bias

[@asadmohammed7102]

He’s not exactly down the middle 😂 what you on about

[@minlee5376]

Your right

[@notorioussimcard6785]

@@messagestomylina makes more sense than Dana tho

[@chinwezenwankwo5599]

@@messagestomylina Whatever...? He is more believable than Dana White and UFC. He completely destroyed every claim by Dana White, with FACTS BASED EVIDENCE! If that is not great journalism, I don't know what is? 💯👍💕

[@gasbulla8141]

Much respect to Francis for standing up for his principles, and mad respect to you for highlighting his journey. It's downright disgusting how Dana tried to say he's scared. I love when you pull up the receipts!

[@liquidpza]

@@JohnnySack16 That's one way to deduce within a framework without taking any other circumstances into consideration. Learning rhetorical conventions and conversational nuance will benefit you greatly.

[@thekevinfoster]

UFC: “we need someone to be a scumbag to save face” Dana: “hold my beer” Guy holding beer: crumbles under the weight of all the bottles Dana has handed him.

[@sportsman2103]

We all know francis would fight Jones in heart beat. But this is guy who was poor and he want a life changing money and to be free, which I agree with him. Otherwise he end up like Spencer Fisher and Chuck Liddell

[@T2revell]

@@liquidpza agreed

[@peacethroughstrength172]

There s a reason wny The UFC is what it is and it surely isnt bc they break the bank on payouts, F rhat. No successful corp or small business is gonna drain their account on their employees, ridiculous. Other promos that arent a fraction of UFC will and probably why they are whwre they are. You see new promos offer stupid ridiculous purses and then are in debt up the A only to go defunct. FN can go hit those up lol.

[@bukarabdullahi127]

The only reason this is happening is because Francis has *REFUSED* to be bullied

[@jetttokiwa]

He’s an amazing fighter, but he doesn’t have the crazy star power he thinks he has. Other than a boxing match with Fury (and maybe some other boxing fights), he will not find any big mma fight that are outside the UFC. Again he might not care about that he may just want 1-2 big pay days and ride off.

[@jetttokiwa]

@@KrikZ32 I never said it was but it’s clear in the negotiation fallouts that Francis is more interested in freedom to fight in boxing super fights like the one with Fury because he believes he will get a major increase in pay. He’s not fighting Fury just to fight for the sake of it, a large motivator for him is getting a big pay day (one that he is not receiving in the UFC)

[@ntuthukobrendonbhengu7518]

@@jetttokiwa sponsorship money and freedom to make certain deals with your likeness would make him so much more than they are willing to pay.

[@JP-rw5cd]

@@jetttokiwa he just needs 2-4 boxing fights and him and his next family are set for life

[@jetttokiwa]

@@KrikZ32 Dana is no saint but I can understand where the UFC is coming from in trying to avoid cross sport fights. They may be independent contractors but if they go and get hurt doing such sports it ruins the marketability of said athlete for their own sport. He tried this with Connor and look where this has gotten him. It’s valid to make a fair argument that Connor would be in a different (possibly better) fighting status than he is now had he not gone for the money fight with Floyd.

[@123myormick]

The Nose standing up for the fighters!!! Love it. Francis' points about fighters not having "insurance" are spot on. Fighters deserve a union to negotiate more equitable terms for their pay and contract like other professional sports do!

[@3baskar]

A standout fighter! We are going to miss Francis. This man has endured and persevered much more tougher challenges. I wish you the best, Francis.

[@John-ru4gz]

He is about as smart as a doorknob. No manager. No plan. Doesn't even make a call out for a potential fight in the future. Absolutely fumbled the bag.

[@iambakano]

@@John-ru4gz you're a doorknob, john.

[@simga849]

​@@John-ru4gzDo you still have the same opinion?😂😂

[@zache3818]

You can’t have anything but respect for someone like Francis. They are one in a million not counting his back story. Just talking about a man that sticks to his word and doesn’t sell his morals for $ and say no to millions of dollars coming from making $1 a day. He tells you for 2 years what matters to him and doesn’t budge. Francis is someone that young men should look up to and study. Wish Francis nothing but the best

[@StrengthScholar0]

More like 1 in a billion. I hope everything works out for him.

[@exspiravit6920]

I don't care about his fkn morals or whatever, I just WANTED TO SEE THE FIGHT between he and Jones!!

[@jarnold1789]

@@exspiravit6920 Damn man, we all did. And still do to be honest. Such a bummer, one of the biggest fights we’ll never see

[@chiquita683]

Have to side with Dana on this one. Ngannou is a snake, look how he abandoned his fight team he started with and walked past them like he didnt even know them. POS

[@40Mprxdigy]

i don’t agree with him he was offered a great cobtract

[@ogLogLogLogL]

I sincerely believe Ngannou's "stand" will have its place in the history of UFC/MMA when it is written. Important precedent.

[@sginrummy88]

ko-artist heavyweights will always be compared to him from now on.

[@IAMALLMUSIC]

Francis is unshakeable. A true indomitable lion. And on top of it he was fighting for the cause of the entire roster of fighters who are too scared to speak up for themselves.

[@HesBack420]

Everyone needs a friend like Ariel.

[@MrGolferCrazy]

The independent contractor vs the employee view point is spot on. Francis has a great point

[@SomeDudeInTheChat]

Ariel is truly a force for good. Many thanks for all you do.

[@12monkey57]

He sucks the fighters so they come on his show.

[@CEO.OF.EPO.]

@@aandy2042they don’t know about alpha

[@Ozzyozzysheesh]

@@aandy2042 why you here then 😂

[@rayd3268]

@@aandy2042 bro wtf does beta or any of that idiocy have to do with the right thing? This guy isn’t perfect but I’ll believe him over a pos like Dana white

[@anthonyplays7301]

@@aandy2042 Bro really calling people Betas and Alpha that's so sad

[@thecynicalsyndicalist7607]

This was surgically masterful! If anyone is foolish enough to accept White's framing uncritically, which was full of lies and venom, need to watch this. Ariel has been the most dependable and accurate MMA journalist for over a decade now. I’m ready to preorder your book once it is published and I’m looking forward to all your future endeavors!

[@oldmanbrown1086]

You the man Ariel. You are the antithesis to Dana’s heartless greed and purposeful cruelty.

[@mosa4370]

Maybe Dana's not heartless greed maybe it's you whose hating on Dana like you know him well Dana is a business men he would do anything to keep his company alive whether you like it or not

[@oldmanbrown1086]

@@mosa4370 Criticizing Dana White for destructive and oppressive financial tactics in running the UFC and hurting fighters is not hating. Fighters have been getting screwed for decades like Ariel reports. The UFC is as corrupt as boxing once was. Ngannou’s challenge to the financial structure will be remembered as will Mark Hunt and others attempts to draw attention to the UFC and its corrupt practices. Ariel is an supporter of all the fighters as it should be. Why would you side with the boss against the workers?

[@grimeythree4294]

@@oldmanbrown1086he wishes he was a boss too so he idolizes his Daddy Dana

[@mosa4370]

@@grimeythree4294 Dana is the boss So nobody cares what people says they run the company whether you like or not 🤣Soo chill bruhh

[@heartandmindovercome3214]

😂 awesome 👍

[@alexd2555]

I don’t blame Francis for leaving, good for him and I hope he gets the Fury fight and sets himself up for life. But I wish the UFC could’ve put their pride aside and gave Francis a huge 1 fight deal to fight Jon.

[@jasonc1996]

He's not fighting Fury

[@hardnewstakenharder]

@@jasonc1996 he absolutely will.

[@liquidpza]

lol, to imagine Dana putting his pride aside for anything is a fun fantasy.

[@jamesphilipson1289]

That would be great to see! Perhaps they wouldn't want to do big 1 fight deals cause it might set a new precedent which will get all the other fighters wanting this. Conor is the only one that gets the treatment but he's a phenomenon in the sport as a personality outside as well as inside the ring

[@SuperBlueMoonWA]

L

[@bukarabdullahi127]

For the fact that Francis fought Cyril with a career threatening injury and *WON* ... with his title on the line... says all I need to know about Francis...

[@12monkey57]

He may be the most inactive HW champ of all time

[@alaintafe6354]

@@12monkey57 you wanted hom to fight with a knee injury what are you even saying

[@JJ-ut3sn]

@@12monkey57 All of them are inactive after a while. That doesn't matter. They gave Gane a paper belt and Francis came back and took that one too

[@suhailshaikh8529]

@@JJ-ut3sn but if gane wins he will defend the 3 times a year Jones won't he will defend once a year

[@warjjaugust]

@@suhailshaikh8529 I dont know what Sport you guys are watching. In the modern era, there is no champ that defends that much. A title fight. Especially HW is a big deal..on ppv. They only try to do it twice. Izzy is yound and wanted a new deal, thats why he defended so much. Jon used to fight 3 or 4 times a year before he got that belt. They get older and richer and don't need to fight really injured, so they dont..unless they are trying to end a contract. Plus the older you get, the more prone you are to injury. But let you guys tell it, they all of a sudden get scared and lazy. Dont listen to Dana. He's a tool

[@atemnkengtanya9133]

Always our champion. Fearless #Francis Ngannou

[@adamlambert5328]

Ariel - You are the unsung hero in this world my friend. You put your neck on the line to tell and expose the truth and support the few real ones that are left on this planet. Upmost respect! Wish there was more like you that has the ability to see through the B/S. Adam from Top3rdfitness ‘UK’

[@stevenr5149]

Dana at that press conference, "In case anyone thinks that we have any class, let me reassure you. We don't".

[@enmitynz4613]

Have to admit I was pissed Ngannau didn't take the deal, because I thought it was just about the fact he can get more money - after seeing this, and you providing receipts - It makes so much sense to me now. Thank you Ariel.

[@RougeLino]

I'm surprised to see that many people who kept thinking its just about money. you don't need much interviews to see how wise and intelligent he is. it literally always was about more moral reasons

[@enmitynz4613]

@@ethernetify I hadn't seen a lot of these interviews with Francis until now. Listen to his own words, it's pretty clear it's not just about money here. Tune in tomorrow and see what he has to say.

[@jcnesci]

Of course it's not just about money. Ngannou always said it's about freedom, meaning he wanted to be able to also fight outside the UFC at the same time (Tyson Fury fight, etc). This amidst the everlasting controversy that UFC contracts call fighters "contractors" (to not pay benefits) but locks them into an exclusive contract, which goes against the nature of a contractor. There's been many lawsuits against the UFC for this but the UFC has the power to keep the status quo. Ngannou is simply the current bravest one to fight for this cause.

[@TheKingofsoccor]

All you got to do is go back to francis early years. Dana did not like him. Watch dan press conference after francis loses. Than he flipped when francis started knocking mfk out

[@chiquita683]

Francis wore a PFL shirt and overplayed his hand, now hes broke

[@MrNuts70]

Love Francis! A true roll model and hero! Hope he gets his BIG boxing fight!

[@hankjohnson5986]

“I hope Fwwancis gets his BIIIIGG boxing match”

[@rainchazzer6308]

I am actually quite pumped about this, I really don't think any heavy weight could have stopped Francis training with Xtreme Couture in mma. I really want to see him box with a great corner at his side, he shouldn't jump in with Fury right away but this guy seems way more talented on his hands than someone like Deontay Wilder and look how far he went

[@lifeisstr4nge]

Fury would get ktfo, Francis ftw

[@TheDuke4100]

@@lifeisstr4nge Both of you couldnt be more wrong

[@recko800]

@@TheDuke4100 you are weirdo fury would literally outbox that gorilla

[@dtf4life1]

Bruh you guys really have no idea the difference of hand speed and head movement in boxing compared to mma. The best boxer in mma would get dominated by any top ten boxer in their divisions

[@dtf4life1]

@@lifeisstr4nge bruh Francis doesn’t last 5 rounds against fury lmao he doesn’t last 4 rounds with wilder.

[@jayu9642]

Let the man go. Dont insult him on the way out. Dana is petty

[@lowlowseesee]

I don’t like Dana but this is business protocol for them lol

[@mrsupplementsUK]

A man not scared to fight overeem and destroy ( and most others !) Hardly scared . Petty Dana

[@domreyy6025]

if Dana is petty, what does that make Ariel......oh boi

[@camvalence]

@@domreyy6025 exactly, Ariel is acting a female with these clips talking about Dana. It would be different if there was substance to his argument, but it’s just trashing to trash.

[@bazil6461]

@@camvalence he is a journalist and can choose to say whatever he wants same as you choose to write whatever you want.

[@kshitiz06]

Like Thomas on morning kombat brought up an important point that we should not miss - None of this would be possible without the legal fight that has been going on between UFC and Cung Lee (and others). Because of that case, UFC was compelled to put a sunset clause in their contracts. And that is why Francis was able to get out of his contract.

[@jeremygroves802]

Wooooooh

[@yeahk241]

It's hard to place oneself in Francis's shoes: it makes more sense to us fans that money is the issue from his side, but you put in context how his story shapes his ambitions. Money will not be a worry for the rest of his life & hopefully children's lives. The guy just wants to box.

[@rubberducki0406]

Francis is one of the most honest interviews I've heard from a fighter. Along with Du plessis.

[@liquidpza]

We have a lot to thank Dana for in this sport, but that doesn't mean he's not a scumbag through and through. What's worse are all of the fellow scumbags that have come to his defense over the past month. As a crony capitalist, Dana is a hardworking juggernaut. As a human, Dana never cared to put in the work to become a good man. Enjoy your freedom, Francis, you've earned it.

[@alypha737]

How is dana a scumbag for getting francis what he wants 😂

[@pglanville]

@@alypha737 stop d-riding.

[@matrix35]

Well said Juan!!!!!

[@maryannazurin2322]

Absolutely right!!!

[@cuhmunitycarr140]

You say that as if you know him. Sometimes stuff doesnt work out in business but now he's a scumbag? Actually, he has held up other fighters (Nate, etc...) but he decided to let Francis go. Seems pretty good to me. Y'all be riding Ariels D like its a carousel I swear

[@thatmountain]

Given all the contextual receipts that Ariel is bringing, it's just super clear that Dana is mad he's unable to financially take advantage of Francis.

[@imma5761]

Yeah Dana is so mad that he cant exploit his inactive HW Champ that sells 200k PPVs at best lmfao

[@gettingoverit3080]

@@imma5761 he is mad ngannou vs Jones is way bigger than than ciryl vs Jones

[@drmvp21]

@@imma5761 Jones vs ngannou would have done close to a mil.

[@luckyspurs]

Compare how class Nate Diaz was to the UFC during his last in-cage interview, to how unclassy Dana was to Ngannou on Saturday. And Nate had just been through the emotion of a fight.

[@godfather55th]

Top respect to Ariel for taking out of your busy schedules to do this video. You’re a noble guy. Blessings and light 💡

[@DrBeauHightower]

Ariel is the actual 🐐

[@JimmyKantstandyabitz]

Get him to be in one of your vids! Give a chiropractic adjustment!

[@Shiggystardust]

Someones tryna to get a promotion at PF changs

[@MetzJnr]

He has Dana's number for sure.

[@woahblackbetty7691]

@@JimmyKantstandyabitz An hour on his nose alone lol

[@Dave-nt8yt]

He’s such a UFC/Dana hater lmfao. It’s becoming so apparent and has been ruining certain segments of the show for the past few weeks

[@raul350raptor]

Dude I love Ariel, when Dana said that you don’t have to be there if you don’t want to be there I busted out laughing in my seat, I’m glad Ariel brought it up because UFC is notorious for not letting people go 😂😂

[@megamanxhunter]

Yes, just ask Nate Diaz, who they held hostage for years. Even Francis too at a lesser degree

[@nilesrodriguez4343]

I can't wait for that interview later today! Francis is a living legend.

[@bruceredwine8185]

I must say you are much a man nobody but you deserved the Frances interview you earned it you are officially the man everyone wanted this interview you made it brother very proud of you we all have youre back keep doing what your doing congrats !!!!!

[@alexanderdominguez666]

Francis gone has truly HURT ME. As a ufc fight fan this sucks the energy he brought when his fights would happen was so unbelievable the power he has unreal, all the things he’s overcome I just can’t believe ufc letting this guy go & not even giving him what he deserved … maybe Francis deserves so much better an has a bigger plan than we all know These receipts Ariel has is insane and proves everything

[@iSOBigD]

I think he's a great fit and it would be insane if he beat Tyson Fury then came back for Jon Jones to prove he really is "the baddest man on earth". However, the odds of that all lining up are very low, and unfortunately him being the champ in any other organization wouldn't mean much. I don't think any non-fan could name a heavyweight champ outside of the Ufc outside of Tyson Fury. I know I couldn't tell you who's winning in Bellator or whatever. Hopefully Francis makes some good money, but there just won't be eyes on his fights like before and it's hard to have a post-fight career when you're not starting off with a huge audience.

[@icydaddy]

@@iSOBigD yeah hes not going to get anywhere near the amount of money he got with the UFC that's just the truth sadly. Him vs Fury is basically Fury vs a worse Deontay Wilder. He should've stayed in the UFC for the sake of his career, but as long as he's happy with whatever he's doing I dont mind that man has been thru it all

[@ronaldbbx631]

They did offer him what he deserved. He turned it down because he wanted to box. Don’t blame the UFC whatsoever for wanting a champ interested in mma not boxing. Really easy to understand tbh

[@zzzzz45zzzzz79]

Sounds pretty selfish to me

[@MJisAGlorifiedDemarDerozen]

@@ronaldbbx631 exactly I don’t understand how people can take anything Ariel says that has to do with Dana seriously

[@IftkharAhmed]

Bang on Ariel. Francis is probably the only top guy that left it all on the table to stand up for himself and others.

[@luckyspurs]

Love that Ngannou didn't just take the money. Class guy. Someone needed to say it.

[@jorgegeorge1344]

His decision is all about the $$ lol

[@the.wayne.b]

it's kinda curious that jon jones who took 3 years to take a fight, was announced so fast after francis stepped out.

[@busydoinnothinn]

??? Jon Jones agreed to fight Francis after he beat Cyril.

[@Tmink7]

Timing makes it look like that, but gotta remember Jon announced HW move saying hed be ready in a year or so to add the weight correctly. That paired with Francis tearing his knee up vs Cryl so couldn’t do Jon vs either of them. Needed Francis healthy or cryl to get a win or 2. & Stipe who it was planned to be then winner vs Francis but Stipe declined due to injuries. Just fell how it fell. Stipe still hurt not ready until Summer. Francis didn’t resign to line up spring. So it was either risk ciryl v Blaydes & sit Jon until Summer with Stipe All while waiting for Francis. Can only wait so long with the most hype anticipated HW Jon Jones on the pine Cyrl sitting

[@robertelder4096]

Its been know for months he was fighting in March. It was going to be Francis and he wasn't ready it was going to be Blaydes. Cyril was in the mix too. Now Francis bailed so it Jones and Gane.

[@donttrendonme]

Even then it wasn’t signed until they accidentally leaked it

[@johnbutler7567]

Plus this got leaked did you listen to Dana's post fight interview he starts it out saying this was leaked by T mobile early by mistake

[@brayanmiranda9082]

Insane that the UFC would let the scariest fighter they ever had in the roster just walk away.

[@MatthewChapmanYT]

Gonna be a common theme in 2023. PFL is getting big.. Bellator events are becoming top class cards with depth. ONEFC takes away the entire Asian market as their cards always include kickboxing or grappling.

[@TheBigJohnson]

Let him walk away? It’s a bushiness. It’s all about red and black numbers sorry.

[@SonOftheBattleCry]

@@kyledavis7944right bellator is no good and will never see the hype ufc does ONE is the 2nd best mma promotion but the best in martial arts imo with the kickboxing and Muay Thai fighters they have the best strikers in the world imo except Poatan

[@theunknown9745]

I don't think it has any other option. If a fighter doesn't fight for 2 years and is holding a division. It's best for both parties. Francis will have a great future. And the heavyweight will have some action with the belt.

[@spicesmuggler2452]

ONE is strong but they lack bigger weight class competitive roster. They have the best strikers in lighter weight classes. They also have kickboxing, muay thai and mma fights, way more entertaining than leg thumping wrestlers hugging in the UFC

[@manettteboh3053]

Watching this brings tears to my eyes. Being a Cameroonian I love Francis like crazy. Thank you sir for exposing the dark side of ufc. Francis is a hero.

[@nerwikmascot]

tha't true justice bringing, eye opening, and refreshing 50 minutes from start to finish

[@track-lash3337]

This is a rare time I’m 100% agreeing Ariel is right on with this one. Dana slander on Francis is an outrage . And big up for scheduling to get Francis side of things .

[@ashleyd1379]

Yup 🤙🏼

[@jaseallenson316]

Anytime he calls out Dana, you better believe him. Now of course there is beef between the two but ariel values integrity more than taking unfair shots at Dana. And, its so easy to call out Dana on his contradictions, his lies and snakish actions.

[@rapslove9873]

It's a business people one person doesn't get everything they want. Francis thinks he's bigger than he is. I'm sorry that's just the facts. He is not bigger than the UFC and he thinks he is if he wanted to fight John Jones he would've signed the contract 25 minutes of work and I'm sure it would've been in the millions not much to cry about.

[@ultimatepounds1730]

@@rapslove9873 u are delusional if u think UFC will give him one fight contract, brother be smart

[@brittanygray1740]

Good to hear Ariel be for the fighters truly

[@phhs6026]

Agree 100% with Ariel here. Well spoken Helwani Respect to you for standing up and telling facts

[@bangcocbanger752]

All the respect in the world for francis, from we're he came to we're he is now , he's already won and made it, he has nothing , not 1 single thing left to prove , he's outdone all expectations and more. P4p champ and the best heavyweight of alltime

[@IvarConq]

Excited for Francis! Truly inspiring story. Thank you Ariel for supporting the fighters and all your work.

[@terryreese663]

I had the same thoughts while watching the presser. Dana cannot stand to lose, therefore he must belittle to make up for it. Shows his true colors all the time. He has a great business mind but lacks the morals to be honest. I am happy you brought "receipts" to the conversation. Remember when he says that as soon as someone whispers about retiring, they should retire, except for anyone he thinks can bring in big money. Jones, McGregor and Nurmagomedov come to mind. He continually begged them to stay in the UFC. I am not that excited about releasing money to watch a fight between two lesser opponents than Ngannou. Ngannou beat Gane with essentially one leg. Thanks for your efforts, look forward to the interview.

[@12monkey57]

The UFC won with this deal. They can actually have an active heavyweight champion

[@Raddon]

Dana saying Francis is scared is beyond stupid. He might have the biggest balls of any fighter, and dropping the UFC is another proof of that.

[@terryreese663]

@@12monkey57 I hope you are not referring to Jones who has not fought in this decade. He has not fought since 2019. Did not leave with an injury. On the other hand Ngannou had reconstructive knee surgery less than a year ago. Ngannou Fought his last fight with this injury. Ngannou won his freedom.

[@josephderenzis8732]

Francis got a big head from certain people getting his ear. He was asking for things that were unheard of and wouldn't be reasonable. They called his bluff, and now he is gone. That was a career ending move. Who the hell wants to see him box or fight in a lesser organization? Not me.

[@terryreese663]

@@josephderenzis8732 This could be breaking news! No one else knows what his requests were for sure. Please tell us what things he was asking for that were unreasonable. The assumption is he wanted a carve out to box to fulfill his life long dream (like Conor had) and to have a limited time or number of fights before he could retire or renegotiate. Neither of which does the UFC allow. They have a clause in all fighter contracts to automatically extend their contract if they win and a clause to match within a year if someone else offers a greater amount. essentially a slave clause.

[@curbantula]

I will buy my first PPV in whatever Francis is in next just to support him

[@Chris_Thorny]

Great job Ariel. You got all the receipts and your ideology and logic are on point!

[@homerohernandez3832]

Hats off to you Ariel, continue with the great work! Can wait to watch the program with Francis. Greetings from México 🇲🇽

[@jcarrera30]

Honestly one of the best MMA episodes ever. So well done.

[@nowrld]

Thank God MMA has people like Ariel

[@matthewnuhfer6851]

Great job. Keep up good journalism...mma needs it!

[@rrrosc]

Ariel, my father tells me all the time how he walked to and back from school in the snow, uphill, both ways. Courage.

[@Travvv94]

Dana obviously has done a lot for MMA and the UFC but it makes me sick to see all these "fans" turn on the fighters when ever they act against Dana's wishes. How hard is it to see that Dana makes deals for the UFC, he doesn't make deals for the fighters.

[@rapslove9873]

No one's against Francis but if he doesn't want to sign the contract it's over nothing we can do about it move on life goes on. I hate to tell everybody.

[@Travvv94]

@@rapslove9873 the comments here seem mostly fine but there's a lot of threads that don't have the same opinion as you

[@johnfury316]

No one is forcing fighters to sign contracts every fighter going into the ufc knows all this and they still sign a contract. You can’t have freedom to box when you only sell 360,000 ppv buys. Also no other sport has freedom in they’re contracts.

[@rogershiroro7296]

Ariel, your analysis on this show is world class, I’ve seen you here and there but watching this here made me realize you’re the go to guy when it comes to objective analysis of UFC. You objectively broke things down as far as Dana White is concerned. Kudos & thank you!!!

[@koriedencaplette9285]

Francis is a role model a lesson given that bullies don’t always win it takes courage to stand up in the face of adversity he deserves the respect and the fruits of his labour thank you your courage is respected

[@johnfury316]

Lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Nic-San]

Best take I have heard so far. Thanks for the great work Ariel

[@taneesescu]

dude what a great analysis. very fair and good journalism bro. I watch his youtube channel videos and he hasn't changed his tune ever. His insurance and his freedom. I feel that. This is not just this sport. It is in every hollywood contract, every music industry contract and comedian. It is the spotlight contract of the soul

[@c.m.andersson]

Ariel's content is just on another level now that he's free. Just amazing. Get in there buddy

[@beltusbenz6911]

Even when he came to Cameroon at the college I was in during his tour in 2021 and they asked him what fight he would like next he said Jon Jones he said it might be Derrick Lewis because Jon might not be ready (since he was still bulking up) but he wants and prefers Jon. Francis was never ducking him.

[@samspi9461]

If he wanted Jones, he could have had Jones.

[@grimeythree4294]

@@samspi9461if he wanted to take what he found to be a less than ideal deal then sure but he didn’t. He wanted what he’s worth, when he gets his 100 mill payday what will you Dana bootlickers have to say?

[@samspi9461]

@@grimeythree4294 Who determines his worth? Who else would pay him more to fight Jones? No one. So he wanted MORE than he's worth to fight Jones which means he didn't want the fight. It's cool, I don't blame him but lets not pretend like Francis didn't make a business decision here too (just like the UFC).

[@grimeythree4294]

@@samspi9461 he determines his worth and he wanted more than he was offered not more than his worth. Just because the ufc attempts to act as a monopoly does not make this fact.

[@samspi9461]

@@grimeythree4294 People don't determine their own worth, it's SUPPLY and DEMAND not just DEMAND. I don't begrudge the guy for choosing easy money over fighting Jones, but I'm not going to believe he was some martyr for not taking the Jones fight.

[@freestylefranc2653]

Ariel is really good at his craft!

[@domreyy6025]

Lol you don't say such things to someone like Ariel, whose entire ability to support himself and his family while working in this field has been about nothing but clinging to Dana so he can gossip like a bitter teenage ex-girlfriend in a 40-year old man's body..

[@rnsb9283]

@@domreyy6025Ariel makes good points but I see what you mean.

[@aqualax6011]

@@domreyy6025 ok npc, keep spamming the same commment over and over again, it might get you somewhere lol

[@ZemarRed]

Brilliant work Ariel and team 🙏🏽

[@MrBoizera]

One thing is certain, Ariel knows how to tell a story.

[@AdrenalineVideos1337]

Ariel "I got receipts" Helwani is dismantling the UFCs monopoly on MMA slowly but surely.

[@TheTMS726]

Watch them try to erase his achievements from the history books just like they did with the 5 time champ Randy Couture who is never even mentioned. This is why there needs to be competing promotions. He would’ve gone to Pride back in the day. Hope he gets a good opportunity.

[@drmvp21]

They did the same with mighty mouse. They act like he isn't the best bantomweight in the world and an all time p4p goat.

[@TheTMS726]

@Danny 💯

[@velder22]

I'm glad you brought up GSP because that's exactly what I was thinking about

[@obinnanwanonyiri3827]

I respect Ariel because he stands up for all fighters. He’s like their lawyer 😂

[@aquaticlibrary]

I’m so glad that Ariel is telling the truth. Casuals jumped to saying he was scared of Jon Jones which was the biggest cap of all time

[@Mike-qz4by]

Hmmm..highest paid ever..he can say he would fight Godzilla all day. Doesnt mean he will.

[@aquaticlibrary]

@@Mike-qz4by he asked for him for 2 years. Jones literally declined a 10 mil offer to fight Ngannou. Ngannou fought through injuries and through his contract but he’s supposed to wait infinitely for Jones who hasn’t fought in 3 years?

[@domreyy6025]

Lol you don't say such things to someone like Ariel, whose entire ability to support himself and his family while working in this field has been about nothing but clinging to Dana so he can gossip like a bitter teenage ex-girlfriend in a 40-year old man's body..

[@aqualax6011]

@@domreyy6025 lol npc

[@mrmolloy]

Jon Jones must have been pissed to hear Dana saying they offered Francis more money than any other HW just after Jon signed an 8 fight contract 😂

[@danaeokeeffe9326]

Yes. That would have been one VERY UPSET EGO. 😡

[@SonOftheBattleCry]

He was the champ jon isn’t it the champ

[@stevelumumbashabazzz5087]

I bet it’s 8 fight contract for probably 10 millions. Dana white strike again lol

[@HumbleHurricane]

12:15 my exact thoughts and so glad you brought this point to light. Literally spinning stories in favor of the feeling in the moment smh 22:48 yet again

[@daafricanspeaks7325]

Just a GREAT perspective ... Long live Ariel Helwani!

[@Bluesbreaker-uf8ti]

If you don't like the UFC's contract offer, which gives them control of you without having to give you the benefits of being an actual employee, then you obviously are scared and don't want to fight the best in the world. Dana needs some new material.

[@Induna123]

Dana is just hot garbage, should have left in 2016 like he keeps telling everyone..

[@DerineShorts]

Lol scared of what?😂😂 He’s been knocking people out cold…He wants something..and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get it…to me that is FEARLESS! Willing to do what others are scared to do…

[@lgjunior824]

You think Nganou is scared?

[@paperboyjohn]

You don't even know how wrong you are

[@XDKX101]

@@paperboyjohn I think OP is being sarcastic

[@rajjogi77]

10:30 On point. A huge eye opener for me as a Dana white fan was the post fight press conference after Paddy Pimblett vs Jared Gordon and the way he tried to shield Paddy. It was very distasteful and clearly showed that the man is skewed and has double standards.

[@jorgegeorge1344]

well it is a business

[@faysal8597]

Some real unafraid journalism ! Best MMA podcast out there

[@temfish]

Just because you went through a tough time doesn't always guarantee that you will always be hungry for anything. As they say in boxing, you get accustomed to the silk sheets and the desire/hunger starts to dissipate.

[@Hellkite-er5pg]

I love how Ariel clearly and accurately dismantles all of Dana "Power-Slap" White's lies and proves how terrible of a promoter he is (also proves that he is two-faced, petty, and vindictive person). Edit: apparently there are too many stupid people that didn't listen to what Ariel stated. He said that Dana White was terrible at promoting Francis. And Ariel was right, Dana screwed up and he let his emotions get the best of him.

[@shadooku4427]

#mmaguru

[@2stroketyson79]

Floyd Mayweather said a long time ago Dana SUCKS!

[@stevesmith9826]

Terrible promoter, but is in charge of the most successful combat sports organization by far lol

[@yendevus1747]

"two-faced, petty and vindictive" are you talking about Ariel?

[@jjjk24]

If there’s one thing Dana is not is a bad promoter he’s probably the best promoter of all time.

[@cristianchavez1699]

ill be honest, this stuff brings tears to my eyes. Im happy for Francis obviously, but sad overall that this is where we are in this sport. I dream of running into an MMA fighter in the streets so I can tell them to their face how much they mean to me and millions of people and how much we RESPECT them for what they do and their talents. Dana cant say that to Francis even him and countless other fighters have made him filthy rich.. so damn frustrating man.

[@Sam-ji1fu]

it's a 2 way street, Francis has also benefitted tremendously from being in the ufc.

[@gifmesome]

Bro if it wasn't for the UFC you probably would've never heard of Francis

[@PaulAtreidesXIII]

lmao he got paid millions to fight in a cage.

[@ConnorIsSuperRad]

Brings tears to your eyes? LOL whack

[@orientalman8809]

What a soy man, Francis made the company absolutely no money and barely sold 200k ppvs. And Francis wants to act like he’s a big star when no one including u wants to pay for his ppvs

[@jamisa3668]

I didn't know Ariel was human. Respect to him from 🇸🇴.

[@tanimuhussaini6867]

Good presentation, thank you for bringing out the truth. GOD bless you abundantly

[@eastakho]

Good for you Ariel!!!! Thanks for going through this and explaining dana's bullying... wouldn't it be something if the promoter was matchroom boxing!

[@jemiiam]

This should be called "Ariel's opinion" because that's all this podcast is, Ariel's opinion

[@bol317]

So he shows endless proof with the receipts and this is your take? Hilarious

[@steves6016]

Francis has the support of the people 💯. Cannot cheer harder for the guy

[@ayou4525]

Damn this was better than a movie Ariel is a legend

[@pstratos7]

What is this “Jon Jones clause” that is in Cyril’s contract? Never heard of anything like that before

[@reallyharsh]

i wasn't sure about that either. did he mean it literally?

[@fredthai5299]

Gyril has a clause with the amount of money if he fight Jon Jones. Fernand Lopez (the coach) told it in the show of the 08 Sept 2022 "Fernand Lopez: Jon Jones Is ‘No. 1 Danger’ for Ciryl Gane - MMA Fighting"

[@kevinorrias5045]

I think it's something to do with more pay for this fight. More then what his contract says. So more money for fighting jones

[@ohbogey]

JJ is willing to fight anybody? Oh, Brock... Also, this very motivated & precision debating from Ariel is riveting!! Let's go Ariel!!👏👏

[@dariushsayson7959]

Maybe the best segment of journalism I’ve ever seen

[@madeingermanypodcast]

Ariel Helwani, hands down no.1 in MMA journalism 🏆

[@IsaiasMGPalafox]

Love it when the receipts r brought out. 😂👏🏼 Anyone hating on Francis, I consider them attention seekers. That man deserves it all. After hearing his story, n what he’s had to go through to get to where he is today. It amazes me how much hate he’s gotten from ppl he probably thought were fans of his. I’ll forever b a fan of Francis Ngannou. Me personally, would love to c him do boxing. Imagine him in the ring w/ any of the top or contending heavyweights we have rn. Ppl r saying he’ll get smashed by any boxer in the heavyweight division, but it only takes one punch. Francis has both a dangerous left n right hand. 💯 I just hope he does what’s best for him, which I expect him to do, nw that he is FREE to do what he wants. 🥳👍🏼

[@GoodStuff1992]

typically stipe fanboys

[@herveylogang7456]

Great analysis. Trying to hurt Ngannou on his way out isnt acceptable. Wash it will come back and hurt Diana. Diana is the one with an ego out of control. His ego will come back and hurt him. Vast majority of ufc fighters have propelled Diana at the top. I pray that Ngannou goes and succeed. This will be an eye opener for o those UFC fighters who have been kept in the dark. Ngannou has been fighting not just for himself, but also for his ex ufc olleagues as well. "Never underestimate some one who has hope" Wait and see. And good luck Ngannou.

[@kkkevv224]

Ariel the goat. I miss the mmahour.. use to watch while studying in uni a comeback listener.

[@kenjan9231]

Francis is a good human being, a great sport man. A man who cannot be bought with money has no limits in his how successful he can be. Francis is not just the True champion but an intelligent man

[@henrybowman7637]

After watching enthralled for 45 minutes and AH says "I just want you to know you can come here for the truth" really hit me..TY A.H. great explanation of what's been going on lately.

[@TheStringBreaker]

*No matter how much the UFC tries to underplay it, not having Ngannou is a huge loss for them!*

[@spicesmuggler2452]

Huge loss for Francis. He does not have the prime years anymore. Hope the best for him, huge loss for the fans even more. Where will he fight?

[@mosa4370]

🤣🤣Joke of the year

[@dannyh5937]

Tons of big names fighters have come and gone...the UFC still remains.

[@bigazTV]

No it’s not.. UFC doesn’t depend on any 1 star.