Dan Hardy claims Dana White will try to prevent UFC fighters from following Francis Ngannou’s path

Former UFC fighter Dan Hardy has made a bold statement about UFC President Dana White, suggesting that White will do everything in his power to prevent other fighters from following in the footsteps of Francis Ngannou. Ngannou left the UFC in January after a contract dispute, with a desire to pursue a boxing career. His move eventually led to a surprising fight against Tyson Fury. Hardy believes that White will not allow his current fighters to explore other combat sports opportunities, as he sees Ngannou's success as a potential risk.

Ngannou's Departure and Boxing Success

After failing to agree on a new contract, Ngannou left the UFC and tested free agency. He later signed a multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighters League. Ngannou's decision to pursue boxing shocked the world, as he went the distance with Tyson Fury and even dropped him during their Saudi Arabia showdown. This impressive performance has made Ngannou one of the hottest fighters across all combat sports.

Dana White's Reluctance and Hardy's Insights

Dan Hardy, who was recently released from the UFC, believes that Dana White has a deep-rooted reluctance to engage in co-promotion with other organizations. Hardy points to a past incident when former champion Chuck Liddell lost to Quinton Jackson in Pride as a turning point for White. Since then, White has been cautious about risking his fighters' reputations in other promotions. Hardy suggests that White will go to great lengths to prevent fighters from exploring opportunities outside of the UFC.

Potential Impact on the UFC

Ngannou's successful move to free agency has sparked a discussion among other fighters in the UFC. Hardy predicts that more fighters will consider running down their contracts and testing the free-agent market, as they may perceive better financial opportunities elsewhere. The potential for increased competition and the allure of greener pastures may lead to more fighters seeking opportunities outside of the UFC.

It remains to be seen how Dana White will respond to this situation and whether he can retain top talent within the UFC. As the landscape of combat sports continues to evolve, fighters may increasingly explore their options beyond the confines of a single organization.