UFC: Dana White And Francis Ngannou’s Manager Marquel Martin Exchange Words

By
Alex Behunin
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Dana White UFC Vegas 11 post-fight
Dana White Credit: Rodney James Edgar/Cageside Press

Things got a little heated between UFC President  Dana White and heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou’s Manager on Monday, in a day full of surprises.

White has never been one to bite his tongue, and he didn’t on Monday afternoon. Things kicked off when Brett Okamoto of ESPN posted a graphic on his Instagram which had a quote from Ngannou’s CAA manager Marquel Martin.

In the comment section of the post, White wrote, “This dude is SO FULL OF SHIT!!! 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.”

Martin, a sports agent for CAA, one of the biggest American talent and sports agencies, has been Ngannou’s agent for many years. He responded to White’s comments defending himself and refuting that he was shocked.

“@danawhite lol…complete shock with your decision after we said September was good for us? Complete shock that you guys made threats after less than 3 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, and your entire staff? Speaks more about you than it does me,” Martin wrote.

“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 UFC…I’m not defined by it, you or anyone else for that matter. How’s that sound. Sincerely, your old employee – Marquel Martin.”

Ngannou would respond with the 100 emoji.

Obviously, something is going on behind the scenes, and tension is building. All of this came because it was announced that No. 1 contender Derrick Lewis will be fighting recently victorious, No. 3 ranked Ciryl Gane at UFC 265 in Houston for an interim title.

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