Kenny Florian isn’t sure what Derrick Lewis is going to do next, but the former UFC title challenger and current PFL commentator feels a new home would be of interest. Lewis, who scored a win at UFC 291, noted that the fight was his last one on his current contract.
Derrick Lewis To PFL Could Shake Things Up, Kenny Florian Says
Kenny Florian has found a new home with PFL, calling the action for the promotion on ESPN Networks. As he looks around the world of mixed martial arts, the former UFC title challenger sees things changing.
That is part of the reason why Florian believes Derrick Lewis joining the promotion could be a change in the climate.
Lewis scored a victory at UFC 291 and said afterwards that the bout concluded his current contract. However, he noted that his initial desire is to sign a new deal, but plans to listen to offers.
“Derrick Lewis is one of the most likable guys in the UFC,” Florian said on Heck of a Morning (thanks to MMA Fighting for the quotes). “It was great to see him get a knockout win in his final fight on his contract in the UFC, which I actually was not aware of either.
“I think a lot of it took a lot of people by surprise, but that’s the way you do it, and sometimes when you’re on a losing streak, it tends to get people to not let their hands go and be a little bit more conservative.”
Lewis holds a victory over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, who signed a deal with PFL earlier this year. While Ngannou is set to meet Tyson Fury in a boxing match, Florian feels a bout inside the SmartCage between the two would be huge.
“To have someone like Derrick in the PFL would be huge,” Florian said. “It’s a great time to be a mixed martial arts fan. It’s also a great time to be a mixed martial arts professional fighter because you have more options.
“Derrick Lewis, great personality, exciting fighter to watch, he comes to fight all the time and that could potentially be an interesting signing for the PFL, for sure.”
