Since then, the former UFC heavyweight champion has tried his hand at professional boxing, losing a controversial decision to Tyson Fury before being brutally knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

And yet, after his commanding first-round win over Renan Ferreira in his PFL debut, the 38-year-old remains convinced that leaving the UFC was the right thing to do.

Francis Ngannou's heated argument with Dana White resonates with Ben Askren

Francis Ngannou confirms he has benefited exponentially financially from his move to the PFL, a rival MMA promotion whose growing roster includes the likes of YouTube star Jake Paul.

Olympic wrestler Ben Askren has also been vocal about his broken relationship with Dana White, suggesting that the UFC boss has a serious personality flaw.

After a trade deal with MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, Askren submitted Robbie Lawler in the first round of his UFC debut in 2019.

But after losing to both Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia, “Funky” claimed he was denied the chance to get back on the winning list.

“(White) didn’t offer me a contract,” Askren said on an episode of Funky and the Champ.

“He did the same thing with (Cris Cyborg), I think Randy Couture had a similar experience, Francis… but there's this weird part of Dana's personality where he starts shitting on people when he doesn't get exactly that, what he wants.

“And because he has a big microphone and is generally very honest and correct, people just believe him… I had to deal with Dana telling lies about me for many years that were really damaging.”

Dana White hits back against Francis Ngannou

In response to Ngannou's comments about his more lucrative opportunities since leaving the UFC, White has now offered a different perspective on the subject.

The 55-year-old claims he lost interest in The Predator after being widely criticized by Derrick Lewis in 2018.

But when Ngannou's meteoric rise culminated in a brilliant second round over Stipe Miocic for the lineal heavyweight title, one might suspect that White was ultimately rewarded for his investment.

But even now, their bitter rivalry shows no signs of going away, and the pair still try to taunt each other at all times.

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