TLDR
- Eric Nicksick calls for reconciliation between Francis Ngannou and Dana White, questioning why old issues continue to resurface
- Nicksick maintains positive relationships with both men and believes White may regret losing Ngannou from the UFC roster
- Ngannou recently told his coach he wants to return to MMA in 2026 and is currently in the best shape Nicksick has ever seen
- The fighter has competed only once for PFL since signing in 2023, defeating Renan Ferreira in October 2024
- Nicksick personally would prefer to see Ngannou compete in the UFC but respects whatever decision his fighter makes
Sources: MMA Fighting | Ground News
Eric Nicksick, the head coach of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, has spoken out about the ongoing feud between his fighter and UFC president Dana White. He expressed hope that the two men could eventually reconcile and move past their differences.
The relationship between Ngannou and White has deteriorated since Ngannou left the UFC in 2023, vacated his heavyweight title, and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). White recently shared a story about an altercation from several years ago where things nearly became physical between them.
Nicksick, who coaches at Xtreme Couture, told MMA Fighting that he maintains positive relationships with both men. “Dana’s been nothing but nice and great to me,” he said, while also praising how Ngannou treats him and his family.
Coach Questions Why Old Issues Keep Resurfacing
The coach questioned why White continues to bring up incidents from years ago. “This, whatever happened, was probably almost seven, eight years ago. Why are we bringing up old shit like that?” Nicksick asked.
He suggested that White may still have feelings of regret about losing Ngannou from the UFC roster. “I feel like deep down, Dana does like Francis, and I think that he does miss the fact that they would like to have him on that roster because of where the heavyweight division is at now,” Nicksick said.
Nicksick expressed his desire for both men to let go of their animosity. “Hopefully, at some point, those two can sit down man to man and just let all this shit go. Like, why do you want to carry that energy?” he said.
He emphasized that even if Ngannou never returns to the UFC, the two should move on from their conflict. “Even if Francis never fights in the UFC ever again, like just move on,” Nicksick stated.
Ngannou in Peak Condition for 2026 Return
Nicksick provided an update on Ngannou’s current status and potential return to competition. He recently spoke with Ngannou via video call while the fighter was traveling between Dubai and Cameroon.
“Francis always holds his cards close to the chest,” Nicksick said. “He’s a guy that he’s going to call me up on a Sunday and say, ‘Hey, we’re fighting Friday.'”
During their recent conversation, Ngannou told his coach he wants to return to MMA competition. Nicksick was impressed by what he saw on the video call.
“He’s the lightest I’ve ever seen him,” the coach revealed. “He called and FaceTimed, I saw his face right away and it was like chiseled. Usually, he’s like a little bit more plump.”
Nicksick said Ngannou’s knee is feeling good and he has been doing roadwork and training daily. “Hopefully, we see him back in the cage in 2026,” he added.
Ngannou has competed only once for PFL since signing with the promotion. He defeated Renan Ferreira at PFL Battle of the Giants in October 2024.
PFL executive John Martin recently told MMA Fighting they have something “special” planned for Ngannou. A potential matchup with PFL heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov has been discussed.
While respecting whatever decision Ngannou makes, Nicksick shared his personal preference. “On a personal level, I’d love to be able to see him compete in the UFC just because of the level of competition that he would go against,” he said. “But if he fights Nemkov, shit, he looked great in his last fight, too.”
