Francis Ngannou is on a UFC stage once again. Ngannou, who departed the promotion in 2023 after contract negotiations fell apart, made a surprise appearance at Friday's ceremonial weigh ins. Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will fight Joaquin Buckley in Saturday's Fight Night marquee.

Though Ngannou's appearance at a UFC event does not mean that he is there to discuss business with the organization, this is the first time that the former champion has returned. UFC President Dana White was very outspoken about Ngannou's departure and comments on fighter pay, often responding with barbs that seemed very personal.

Who thought Francis Ngannou would ever be seen again on a UFC stage? It happened Friday when Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, accompanied former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman to the scale during the UFC on ESPN 69 ceremonial weigh-ins at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.