In a surprising turn of events, the success of Francis Ngannou's boxing debut has not ruffled the feathers of the UFC. Despite the public disputes and criticism between Ngannou and UFC CEO Dana White, former UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier insists that the organization is not angry, jealous, or bitter about Ngannou's accomplishments inside the boxing ring.

"The Predator" showcased his skills in a 10-round showdown against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in Riyadh, causing a stir in the combat sports world. While Ngannou ultimately lost by a split decision, Cormier believes that his participation in the fight uplifted the entire sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).

Addressing the rumors that the UFC was upset by Ngannou's venture into boxing, Cormier expressed confusion as to why they would feel that way. He highlighted that Ngannou's foray into the boxing realm as an MMA world champion facing the lineal heavyweight boxing champion was a significant feat in itself.

However, it is noteworthy that Dana White has been vocal and critical of Ngannou for an extended period, even prior to their recent contract negotiations. White was a leading skeptic of the Ngannou vs. Fury fight, deeming it not only a bad idea for Ngannou but also a wasteful use of time, energy, and money. In the end, Ngannou proved his doubters wrong, earning a career-high payday and doubling his market value.

Industry insiders, like former UFC welterweight Dan Hardy, speculate that White's reservations stem from previous experiences, such as when he took Chuck Liddell to PRIDE where Quinton Jackson defeated him. These incidents seem to have made White reluctant to risk his fighters' well-being in other promotions. As a result, he is determined to prevent his fighters from venturing into boxing or other combat sports promotions.

The UFC's cautious approach can be seen in their reluctance to challenge Viacom's renowned fighters. They seem to be focused on protecting their own roster and minimizing potential risks.

As Ngannou contemplates his next move, a decision is expected by the end of the week. He also has contractual obligations with PFL MMA, and a return to cage fighting in early 2024 seems likely. The opponent for his much-anticipated comeback remains to be determined, but one candidate that has garnered attention is the fighter known as "Bomber," who has aspirations of achieving MMA superstardom.

It is clear that despite any reservations, the success of Ngannou in the boxing realm has not soured the relationship between the fighter and the UFC. The organization's priority remains the protection and well-being of its fighters, and Dana White will undoubtedly take any necessary measures to ensure their safety and success.