Derrick Lewis shared the octagon with Francis Ngannou in a fight both have admitted theyâd like to forget at UFC 226 in July 2018, but Lewis said Ngannouâwithout even knowingâhelped him out years later.
Lewis is set to face Jhonata Diniz at UFC Edmonton this Saturday. Following his memorable knockout win over Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 291 in July 2023, Lewis re-signed with the promotion. With Ngannou signing with PFL and negotiating guaranteed big paydays for his opponent, Lewis saw that as a negotiating tool.
âFrancis played the role of helping me get this contract that I got right now,â Lewis told MMA Fighting. âBecause, you know, the negotiations, I said, âMan, look what theyâre doing over there, I could be over there getting that. Itâs so weird. I would like to stay here.â
Good for him. Thats how competitive markets are supposed to work.
I donât think PFL will make it but them overpaying for talent they cant get much out of will help out all fighters so thats good.