Francis Ngannou and his agent say they were caught off guard by Monday’s announcement of an interim heavyweight title fight, which sparked a heated exchange over social media with UFC president Dana White.
UFC 265 now has a location and a headliner, as Ciryl Gane will take on Derrick Lewis in Houston on Aug. 7.
White has recently stated that Lewis would be the next opponent for Ngannou, but the announcement of an interim title fight confirms those plans are no longer in place, much to the surprise of the champ and his representation.
Ngannou’s agent, Marquel Martin of CAA Sports, released a statement to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, which was posted on Instagram.
This comes as a complete chock. To make an interim title so soon, if you look at the history of this division, it comes as a surprise. Francis is just now returning to the States to begin training, and he just won the title three months ago. We’re unsure of what the resoning is behind this, but we hope to get clairty soon and figure out something with the UFC soon. At the end of the day, they’re in control of these actions.”
White relayed a fiery response to the statement in the comments of the post.
“This dude is SO FULL OF SH*T!!!” White wrote in his reply. “He knows EXACTLY what’s going on and isn’t “shocked” at all. Because we told him several times this was coming. His Management is incompetent and hopefully Francis starts taking a look at new people to help his career.”
Moments later, Martin replied with a lengthier response, challenging White to reveal text messages and emails to prove who was telling the accurate story.
“Complete shock with your decision after we said September was good for us?” Martin questioned. “Complete shock that you guys made threats after less than three months after you all were aware. Complete shock after you knew why Francis needed more time. That is correct. I know you’re passionate but you trying to discredit my integrity when I’ve been nothing but respectful to you, Hunter (Campbell), and your entire staff? Speaks more about you than it does me. I’m not even mad, I’m actually impressed that I’ve gotten your attention.
“Incompetent management? I think we’ve done a damn good job. I think you REALLY don’t like the fact that Francis is being represented by not only me but an entire agency…one of which you can’t control. Hence why you have people trying to rep him all the time to your benefit. I tell you what, let’s disclose EVERYTHING for people to see. Emails, calls, texts, everything. Deal?? Cuz I’m ready to get blackballed by the UFC…I’m not defined by it, you or anyone else for that matter. How’s that sound. Sincerely, your old employee – Marquel Martin.”
The champ showed approval of his agent’s reply by simply dropping a “100” emoji underneath his statement.
Shortly thereafter, Ngannou’s head coach, Eric Nicksick of Xtreme Couture, tweeted and deleted screenshots in support of Martin, showing a text conversation revolving around Ngannou agreeing to fight on Sept. 25.
Martin added an additional statement in response to MMA Junkie’s Instagram post regarding the exchange between White:
For the record, I am NOT trying to make this about me, but like any Man or woman should, I will always defend myself and my integrity against those who seek to shame me. This is probably the first time many of you are even hearing my name. That’s by design- clients should and always come first. I apologize if it seems otherwise but my clients know that I will support them NO MATTER what. I am not perfect nor do I claim to be. I do not care to be the best manager in MMA, this sh*t doesn’t define me. I’m the best f*cking version of me, period. If you can’t respect that, you’re entitled to your opinion. But I will leave this here and say, I will not let a man discredit my name and what I stand for. I’ve worked too hard in life to allow that. And yes I’m fully aware of any blackballing or threats that may come my way from @danawhite or UFC. He knows me, he knows my number. Happy to settle this direct instead of IG, but he began the defaming. Anyways, regardless of this, I’m moving forward (unless belittled again) and I (along with his rep team) will do the very best we can we can to Francis and all our clients with fairness, integrity and the highest of standards. Personally this is what I’d love to see throughout the sport. Thank you all and God bless. Speak soon🙏🏾
Martin also added that Ngannou agreed to return in September to defend his title, which is why they were “shocked” by today’s announcement.
For now, it appears the UFC is moving forward with the heavyweight division by crowning a new interim champion, while there are tensions between Ngannou and his team.