Imagine hearing the names UFC executives are actually considering trading for a red-hot PFL star. According to Dan Hardy, a commentator for both organizations, "you'd laugh." He's heard the whispers, the backroom deals being floated... and he's not impressed. But what makes these potential trades so ridiculous? Let's dive in.
Recently, the MMA world has been buzzing with speculation about the UFC potentially acquiring top talent from rival organizations like Bellator and the PFL. We've seen fighters successfully make the jump, achieving varying levels of success inside the Octagon. Think of competitors who have crossed over, some finding glory, while others face a tougher climb.
Take Kayla Harrison, for example. She recently described her upcoming title defense as a "dream," showcasing her ambition and success across multiple promotions. The former two-time Olympic gold medalist has dominated in both the PFL and previously in other organizations, proving her world-class skill.
Francis Ngannou's situation is also creating buzz, as he recently confirmed that his PFL deal will expire soon, opening the door to potential future opportunities. But here's where it gets controversial... While Ngannou's future remains uncertain, another PFL standout, Dakota Ditcheva, just signed a multi-year extension, seemingly committing her future to the organization for the foreseeable future.
Dan Hardy, a familiar voice to fans of both the UFC and PFL, has weighed in on the ever-present question: could the UFC trade with the PFL to acquire a fighter like Ditcheva? Hardy's reaction? Disbelief.
Dakota Ditcheva's dominant performances have fueled fan demand for the UFC to sign her. After all, she’s quickly risen to become one of the most exciting talents outside the UFC umbrella. Ditcheva even ranked #2 on ESPN's recent '30 under 30' list of top MMA fighters under 30, a testament to her potential and current standing in the sport. Many believe she'd instantly become a top contender in the UFC's women's divisions.
But is waiting out her contract the only option? Some fans and analysts have suggested a trade. Imagine Dana White's in charge for a day – which UFC fighters would you offer the PFL in exchange for Dakota Ditcheva? What names would you put on the table?
Hardy, however, finds the very idea amusing, particularly given the names he's apparently heard floated in these hypothetical deals. "I've heard of conversations around trading and I've heard some names being thrown around and you would laugh at the names that have been thrown around, especially because of how things have played out [laughing]. It just doesn't make any sense," Hardy told Bloody Elbow.
The exact context of these conversations remains unclear. We do know that Din Thomas proposed earlier this year that the UFC trade Magomed Ankalaev for Ditcheva. And this is the part most people miss... Considering Hardy's comment about "how things have played out," he could very well be referring to the Ankalaev proposal, especially given that Ankalaev is no longer a champion.
ESPN’s ’30 under 30′ list: Do you agree with the rankings?
- Ilia Topuria, 28
- Dakota Ditcheva, 27
- Joshua Van, 24
- Jack Della Maddalena, 29
- Michael Morales, 26
- Ian Machado Garry, 28
- Usman Nurmagomedov, 27
- Umar Nurmagomedov, 29
- Natalia Silva, 28
- Arman Tsarukyan, 29
But Hardy's skepticism isn't limited to specific trade proposals. He fundamentally disagrees with the concept of trades in MMA altogether.
While he appreciates the idea of cross-promotional events and fights, he views trades as inherently incompatible with the individual nature of combat sports. Even the high-profile Demetrious Johnson/Ben Askren trade, a rare instance of such a deal, left him scratching his head. "I don't like the idea of trades. I think it's an odd thing to do in combat sports," Hardy explained. "If it's a team and you're trading one player from one team to another, etc., that makes sense. A fighter is a very individual thing. Like trading Ben Askren for Demetrious Johnson, that didn't make any sense to me whatsoever. I mean, one is not the equivalent to another."
So, what do you think? Does the idea of the UFC trading for a fighter like Dakota Ditcheva make sense? Are there any UFC fighters you believe would be a fair trade? Or do you agree with Dan Hardy that trades simply don't work in MMA? Let your voice be heard in the comments below! What is the value of a fighter compared to another in a trade?
