Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou successfully negotiated his way out of the promotion and signed a multi-fight deal with the PFL, securing his dream match against Tyson Fury for his professional boxing debut, potentially inspiring other fighters to consider free agency to pursue more lucrative opportunities in combat sports like boxing.
Francis Ngannou took a bold stance when he decided to negotiate his contract with the UFC, resulting in his departure from the promotion while still holding the heavyweight title. This risky move paid off for Ngannou, as he not only secured a lucrative multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), but also fulfilled his dream of facing Tyson Fury in his professional boxing debut. Although Ngannou came close to victory by knocking down Fury in the third round, he ultimately lost a narrow split decision.
While Ngannou’s success in branching out into boxing has sparked interest among other fighters, former UFC commentator Dan Hardy believes that UFC CEO Dana White will make it difficult for anyone to follow in Ngannou’s footsteps. Hardy points to the Mayweather-McGregor fight as a one-off occurrence and doubts that White would want to risk his fighters competing in other promotions and potentially getting injured or defeated. The UFC has strict rules regarding fighters competing in other combat sports, requiring permission from the promotion to do so.
Ngannou’s decision to wait out his contract and test free agency has proven to be a smart move, potentially inspiring more fighters to do the same. Hardy anticipates that fighters may gain the courage and confidence to explore other opportunities and recognize that there may be greener pastures and bigger paychecks outside of the UFC. With Ngannou’s success, fighters like Sean O’Malley and Sean Strickland have expressed interest in stepping into the world of boxing, showcasing their skills in a different arena.
Apart from boxing, Hardy acknowledges that the financial aspect plays a crucial role in enticing UFC fighters to test free agency. Ngannou’s bold negotiation resulted in a substantial purse for his fights in the PFL, potentially luring other heavyweight fighters who seek significant paydays. The allure of facing one of the world’s top heavyweights, coupled with a generous paycheck, could lead more UFC fighters to consider exploring free agency in the near future.
Overall, Ngannou’s success in securing a lucrative deal with the PFL and his boxing match against Tyson Fury may pave the way for other fighters to explore opportunities outside of the UFC. While Dana White may be reluctant to risk his fighters in other promotions, the potential financial rewards and the chance to compete against elite opponents might be enough to entice some fighters to make the switch.