There has been considerable discussion recently about the UFC potentially signing high-profile fighters not currently on its roster. Fighters transitioning from organizations like Bellator and PFL into the UFC have seen mixed outcomes.
Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and champion in both Bellator and PFL, recently called her upcoming title defense a “dream.” Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou revealed that his PFL contract will expire soon, though this does not suggest other major PFL talents are moving on anytime soon.
Dan Hardy, a commentator for both promotions, recently weighed in on fan speculation about possible trades involving top fighters. Dakota Ditcheva, a rising star ranked No. 2 on ESPN’s “30 Under 30,” has fans eager for her to join the UFC. Despite her potential, Ditcheva signed a multi-year deal with PFL earlier this year and may follow a path similar to Kayla Harrison. Debate has arisen over whether the UFC might try trading for her rather than waiting for her contract to end.
Hardy laughed off rumors about possible trades involving Ditcheva, dismissing the names often mentioned as implausible. For example, a suggestion earlier this year was that Ditcheva be traded for Magomed Ankalaev, former UFC champion. Given Ankalaev’s current status, Hardy finds the trade talk nonsensical.
Hardy is not just skeptical of trading Ditcheva but opposes trades in MMA entirely, unlike in team sports. He finds the idea of exchanging fighters—like the notable Demetrius Johnson and Ben Askren swap—confusing and illogical, emphasizing that each fighter is an individual, not a team asset that can be traded evenly.
Fan Take: This discussion highlights the complexities of fighter contracts and promotions in MMA, showing that unlike team sports, trading fighters is not straightforward. For fans, this means exciting matchups may be delayed, but preserving fighter individuality keeps the sport’s integrity intact.
