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The ‘Battle of the Baddest’ has concluded, and Tyson Fury emerged victorious in the squared arena. However, it wasn’t Fury who won the people’s mandate; it was Francis Ngannou. Ngannou’s masterful performance garnered immense appreciation from the general populace to the extent that many considered the match a robbery. It’s somewhat amusing to assert that Ngannou was not a boxer merely months ago.

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Dana White has been quite explicit with Francis Ngannou about the need to adhere to the UFC’s rules and forsake boxing if he wishes to continue in the promotion. However, some folks might find it perplexing that Conor McGregor was allowed to pursue a bout with Floyd Mayweather without similar constraints. Chael Sonnen delves into this intriguing parallel in his recent video, and it’s worth delving deeper into this matter to gain a better understanding.

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Chael Sonnen explains the reason why Dana White didn’t let Francis Ngannou box

In his recent explanation, Chael Sonnen sheds light on why Dana White allowed Conor McGregor to venture into a boxing match against Floyd Mayweather while he didn’t grant the same opportunity to Francis Ngannou. Sonnen also emphasizes why Dana White’s decision was a prudent one as the CEO of the UFC.

‘The American Gangster’ asserted that the situation for Ngannou and McGregor was completely different. Sonnen said, “Use the one other example we had of Conor McGregor versus Floyd. That fight doesn’t work if Floyd isn’t 49 and 0 and going for 50, which was a big goal that he had established to the market years before.”

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He further added, “It doesn’t work if Conor McGregor is not a simultaneous two-division UFC champion. It’s a very different scenario. They don’t get them together if those boys go try to find each other today. It won’t work, right? The timing matters.” 

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Sonnen further added another example of a boxing match that nearly bankrupted the promotion. He added, ” Chuck versus Tito part three that nobody watched drove a company out of business. I don’t fault those guys for it. I’m sharing with you it worked back here when they were in their youth, when they were at the top of their game when there was a belt on the line. It was a very different scenario.” Sonnen further asserted that he agreed with White’s decision to let Ngannou leave.

Sonnen agrees with White 

Chael Sonnen down in the conversation asserted that Dana White’s decision to let Francis Ngannou go was the right one and added that White didn’t sugarcoat any words but came out publicly to give his verdict. Sonnen added, “So, to execute or rather to enforce your right to a match clause, even if you’re not talking to the guy and you’ve got no plans to do it, you just want to do it to be annoying and hold the guy.”

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Sonnen further added, “If you have the right, Dana didn’t do that. He came out publicly and said, ‘We are granting Francis a full release, no right to match, no exclusive 90-day period. He is free to go and reach a deal with anyone he would like to.”

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What’s your opinion on Chael Sonnen’s analysis? Tell us in the comments below.

Watch this story: All about Dana White and Vince McMahon’s relationship

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Suryakant Das

3,440 Articles

Suryakant Das is a senior writer who leads UFC live coverage at EssentiallySports, known for his broad expertise and standout professionalism in MMA journalism. Over two years in the field, he has become a key voice on real-time event updates, pre- and post-fight interviews, and analysis of viral moments from the Joe Rogan Experience. His dynamic reporting is backed by selection to the Journalistic Excellence Program, which hones advanced editorial skills and strategic coverage approaches for top talent. Suryakant’s career is defined by his ability to deliver both speed and depth. His versatile background spans sports journalism, content writing, and editorial roles, helping him navigate fast-paced live coverage and deliver meaningful stories with clarity and precision. Recognition from respected MMA figures such as Nina-Marie Daniele and Hall of Famer Michael Bisping further marks him as a trusted authority in the UFC community.

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Abhishek Kumar Das

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