UFC President reacts sharply to Francis Ngannou's defeat

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou was knocked out during yesterday's bout with Anthony Joshua. This marks the second fight following the MMA star's attempt to transition to boxing.

Ngannou had a decent first outing in the ring, sending WBC world champion Tyson Fury to the canvas, but the British fighter was awarded a victory by split decision from the judges thereafter.

Following Ngannou's latest setback in boxing, UFC president Dana White provided his commentary on the former star's transition from the octagon to the ring.

Speaking to reporters after UFC 299, held today in Miami, USA, White said:

"If Fury had prepared for the fight and not acted like he had eaten Tyson Fury, then perhaps that fight would have ended similarly.

You know how I feel about transitioning to boxing. That's how they end, just like that."

Ngannou left the UFC in January of last year, despite rejecting an offer that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight of all time. The fighter was released by the organization and stripped of the heavyweight title after deciding not to renew his contract with the promotion.

Since transitioning to boxing, Ngannou has had two profitable bouts in the super heavyweight division, but the nature of his defeat to Joshua has raised doubts about whether he can make a successful transition.