Francis Ngannou makes shock UFC return on stage at UFC Atlanta in support of legendary ex-champion

Francis Ngannou returned to the UFC stage for the first time in almost two years to support Kamaru Usman tonight.

The legendary former heavyweight champion has been persona non grata with the promotion since an explosive exit at the beginning of 2024 that saw him leave with the belt. He is now signed to PFL, but has also had some big money boxing outings against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

However, he appeared in a prominent role tonight on stage with Usman at the ceremonial weigh-ins for his fight with Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. The pair are close friends, and regularly appear to support one another at their fights.

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Francis Ngannou makes surprise UFC appearance at UFC Atlanta

Fans were stunned this evening when Francis Ngannou made his first appearance at a UFC event in years. His relationship with boss Dana White, who wasn’t in attendance, is frosty at best and at worst one of the most bitter in the sport.

However, his love for fellow African champion Kamaru Usman trumps all, and he put his issues with the promotion to the side for his big comeback fight. The ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ hasn’t fought since 2023, when he was narrowly defeated by Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi.

Now, with Ngannou in his corner, he is plotting an exciting comeback that kicks off against renowned striker Buckley. The PFL star even donned UFC gear to support his friend, which was perhaps the most shocking of all.

Francis Ngannou has reportedly been eyeing UFC return

For years, Francis Ngannou rallied against the UFC’s control over MMA and his excursions into the ring and then the PFL cage were viewed as major successes for fighters. But in recent weeks, his coach Eric Nicksick has teased a potential return to the octagon.

There is one last super-fight for Ngannou, who turns 39 this year, waiting in the UFC heavyweight division; the current undisputed champion Jon Jones. The champ is keen on the fight despite incessant calls for a Tom Aspinall unification.

“Enough time has passed, I would love to see them mend these fences and get back to competing in the UFC,” Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick told Home of Fight.

“I think it’s more about business than it is about ego, at least it is from Francis’ side. Now where does his motivations come from? It’s not about money, it’s about competition. And the best competition is in the UFC.”