Ngannou’s Bold Move Shakes UFC: Fighters Eye Freedom!
UFC Fighters Eyeing Ngannou’s Path, Dana White Resists, Hardy Foresees Challenges for UFC Athletes Eyeing Boxing Debuts
Francis Ngannou’s bold move to leave the UFC while still the heavyweight champion, culminated in a near-victorious boxing debut against Tyson Fury this past weekend. Despite losing a tightly contested split decision, Ngannou’s performance is stirring ambitions among other UFC fighters.
Ngannou’s daring decision to wait out his UFC contract led him to a rewarding multi-fight deal with the PFL and the much-desired boxing bout with Fury. His journey is generating interest from other champions, such as Sean O’Malley, who are also considering boxing matches.
Former UFC commentator Dan Hardy, however, anticipates resistance from UFC CEO Dana White, deterring others from following Ngannou’s trajectory. Hardy recounted the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor bout as a one-off occurrence on The MMA Hour. He believes Dana White is wary of risking his prominent fighters in external promotions.
“I think he’s going to do everything he can to stop people from doing it,” Hardy stated.
UFC’s policy necessitates fighters to obtain permission to partake in other combat sports, including boxing. However, Ngannou’s path may inspire fighters to explore free agency after their contracts.
Hardy perceives a shift in the fighters’ mindset, quoting,
“I think now people are going to have the courage and confidence to see Ngannou go into free agency, recognize that maybe the grass is potentially greener elsewhere.” He further mentioned that fighters like Sean O’Malley and Sean Strickland could seek crossover opportunities. Hardy added, “There’s definitely scope for other fighters to cross over.”
Hardy also highlighted the financial allure, citing the
“$2 million on the table for Francis Ngannou’s first opponent in the PFL.” He anticipates more fighters may be tempted to leave their contracts for such lucrative paydays.
In conclusion, Hardy emphasized that despite UFC’s reluctance, fighters’ ambitions to cross over, spurred by Ngannou’s successful transition, are evident. Whether Dana White can keep them within the UFC’s realm remains to be seen.
