Dan Hardy believes it’s just a matter of time before former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou signs on the dotted line with the PFL
Earlier this month, the promotion announced that Dan Hardy would be the head of fighter relations for its European branch appropriately titled PFL Europe. As confirmed in a press release, Hardy will oversee the “well-being and development of fighters.” Hardy will also lend his voice to PFL Europe broadcasts as an expert analyst. The first show under Hardy’s tutelage went down on March 25 and following the festivities, ‘The Outlaw’ spoke with Mike Owens in a MiddleEasy exclusive.
It was during their conversation that Hardy shared his thoughts on the PFL potentially signing the hottest free agent in combat sports today.
“We’ll have Francis Ngannou in no time coming over and fighting for it,” Hardy said with confidence. “I just feel it in my bones. I know he’s coming. I just know he’s coming. I can just feel it. It makes sense. His demands for the UFC is exactly what the PFL are offering. So everything that he was asking for from the UFC, it’s already on the table over here as long as the money’s on the table alongside to match the heavyweight king’s purse, then I think you’ll be happy and I think we can certainly do that for him.”
‘WE’LL HAVE FRANCIS NGANNOU IN NO TIME’
Great to catch up with @danhardymma at the inaugural PFL Europe card.
Exclusive interview will be out soon.
📸: @LEvansMMA @PFLEurope @PFLMMA pic.twitter.com/BEeig2qzFh
— MikeOwensMedia (@MikeOwensMedia) March 26, 2023
Francis Ngannou Narrows His MMA Options to Two Possibilities
Ever since UFC president Dana White announced that they would be releasing Ngannou after two years of unsuccessful contract negotiations, fans have been chomping at the bit to learn where ‘The Predator’ will ultimately end up. We got one step closer to the answer when Ngannou revealed on an episode of The MMA Hour that it is down to either the PFL or ONE Championship.
Both promotions have a lot to gain by signing the heavy-hitting Cameroonian. With PFL’s seasonal format and a foray into the world of pay-per-view offerings, it would present Ngannou with the opportunity to capitalize on the rising popularity of the nation’s No. 2 mixed martial arts organization.
On the flip side, ONE Championship will be looking to turn heads toward their direction when they make their North American debut on May 5. The Asia-based combat sports organization has established a strong following around the globe but is yet to fight for its piece of the pie in the United States thanks to the stranglehold that the UFC has on the market. That could all change at ONE Fight Night 10, particularly if ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong announces that ‘The Predator’ has signed on to compete inside the ONE Circle.
Before returning to the cage, Ngannou has his sights set on scoring a massive payday inside the squared circle.
