Former UFC fighter Kenny Florian has expressed interest in seeing Derrick Lewis in the PFL SmartCage, following Lewis’ free agency announcement after his victory over Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 291; this could potentially set up a rematch between Lewis and Francis Ngannou.
Following his victory over Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 291, Derrick Lewis gave an unforgettable free agency announcement. The match was finished in 33 seconds which only served to solidify his value in the world of professional fighting. Kenny Florian, a former UFC fighter and current PFL color commentator, reacted to Lewis’ announcement by expressing his desire to see Lewis compete in the PFL SmartCage.
This move by Lewis may likely lead to a rematch with Francis Ngannou, another significant PFL free agent recruit. Despite Lewis expressing a potential return to the UFC under a new arrangement, it’s clear that his stock as “The Black Beast” remains solid. Florian sees value in the addition of Lewis to the PFL, considering his unique fighting style and his charisma which align with fan expectations.
Florian, in a promotional event for the PFL Playoffs on ‘Heck of a Morning’, spoke highly of Lewis. “Derrick Lewis is one of the most likable guys in the UFC,” Florian said. “It was great to see him get a knockout win in his final fight on his contract in the UFC, and I think being able to take risks like that flying knee move is significant,” he added. He believes that fighters like Lewis add considerable value to not only the PFL, but also to the sport of mixed martial arts more broadly.
Moreover, Ngannou is slated to make his promotional debut in early 2024, following a boxing match with Tyson Fury in October. Interestingly, he didn’t just focus on securing his own future, but also considered his potential PFL opponents. Ngannou disclosed during ‘The MMA Hour’ that his contract negotiation with the promotion included a minimum purse of $2 million for his opponents. Lewis’ previous win over Ngannou at UFC 226 in 2018 makes the possibility of a rematch all the more interesting. Florian firmly believes that this potential rematch won’t be doomed to be a repetition of their underwhelming first bout.