UFC legend Dan Hardy believes PFL could offer competition for MMA's No.1 spot
UFC legend Dan Hardy believes that their reign as MMA's biggest promotion could be under threat as the sport's No.2 PFL makes moves towards the top spot.
Hardy was once one of the UFC's biggest stars, and fought the legendary Georges St-Pierre for his welterweight title at the peak of the pair's careers. And he is now one of the leading voices behind PFL's broadcasts, as well as taking on a key role in the behind-the-scenes development of their $100,000 European tournament.
And he feels that with the likes of Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul, Claressa Shields and Kayla Harrison all committed to future fights in the promotion, there could be competition atop the sport. UFC has had a long-time stranglehold on the sport's top talent, but with Ngannou fighting for the lineal boxing heavyweight title and Paul one of the sport's biggest draws, he feels there is room for more.
"I think PFL is the No.2 promotion in the world," Hardy told Mirror Fighting in an exclusive chat. "The roster is growing constantly, we've signed a few fighters this week with news breaking soon and from the inside watching the speed that it's moving I'd say absolutely.
"There are great organisations around the world, I'm an MMA fan. Oktagon are doing great things, I like watching ONE Championship even with the Muay Thai events in small gloves and stuff, I watch what I can but PFL, I feel, is doing something different and the consistency we're bringing to these fighters' careers and the money we put on the table is what's going to make the difference."
Logan Paul and KSI announce new partnership with UFC president Dana White
Hardy was entrenched in the UFC's system for years first as a fighter and then as a commentator with the promotion, before a firey exit in January of 2021. And he feels that the flexibility that his new employer offers will entice fighters into making the move and add further competition atop the sport.
Do you think PFL can compete for UFC's No.1 spot in MMA? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
"The UFC have built a business model which works really well for them," he continued. "But the thing is that there's not a great deal of flexibility to it, right? It's the same format with the same people and the same narratives. It's the same Embedded [their fight week docuseries] with the suitcase going around at the airport.
"The consistency of it is almost comforting, to be honest, which is quite relaxing. But with the PFL the world is our oyster and we can kind of go whatever direction we want. Signing Jake Paul and supporting him, signing Francis Ngannou, the likes of Amanda Serrano or Savannah Marshall, it just shows to people that we're open for business.
"If you're a combat athlete and you're interested in dedicating yourself to making some big money and having some good fights then the PFL has got the options for you."
Watch the PFL Europe semi-finals live on DAZN tonight from the sold-out Accor Arena in Paris. The action begins at 4pm for UK viewers.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
