The world of combat sports is ever-evolving, with fighters often transitioning between promotions to seek new challenges, opportunities, and audiences. While the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) remains a premier MMA organization, many former UFC athletes have found success and rejuvenation in other combat sports promotions. From the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to Bellator MMA and beyond, these fighters continue to showcase their athletic skills and passion for unarmed combat.
Francis Ngannou: From UFC Champion to PFL Trailblazer
Francis Ngannou, once the UFC heavyweight champion, made headlines when he departed the UFC over contract disputes. He transitioned to the PFL, where he not only competed but also took on a leadership role as chairman of PFL Africa. Ngannou’s debut saw him defeat Renan Ferreira in October 2024. Beyond MMA, he ventured into boxing, facing Tyson Fury and later Anthony Joshua.
Despite a knockout loss to Joshua, Ngannou’s crossover appeal remains strong, with potential bouts against fighters like Deontay Wilder on the horizon. Unfortunately, the Cameroon-based behemoth has been a magnet for tragedy in recent years. First, his 15-month-old son Kobe died. More recently, Ngannou was involved in a motorcycle accident where a young girl was killed. When he does return to fighting, there’s really not a clear challenger for him in the PFL at this point, so he’ll likely end up in the boxing ring again.
Corey Anderson: Bellator Success After UFC and PFL Aspirations
After a notable UFC tenure, Corey Anderson signed with Bellator MMA in 2020. He quickly made an impact, securing victories over Melvin Manhoef and Ryan Bader. In 2025, Anderson transitioned to the PFL, where he’s set to compete in the heavyweight division, marking a new chapter in his career.
Phil Davis: From Bellator Champion to PFL Contender
Phil Davis, a former Bellator light heavyweight champion, joined the PFL’s 2025 Light Heavyweight Tournament. In May 2025, Davis showcased his prowess by defeating Rob Wilkinson via technical knockout, advancing to the semifinals and reaffirming his status as a top contender.
Paige VanZant: Embracing Multiple Combat Sports and Modeling Opportunities Post-UFC
Paige VanZant , known for her UFC tenure, has diversified her combat sports portfolio. Post-UFC, she competed in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and is set to continue with a lucrative deal in 2025. Additionally, VanZant has ventured into Dana White’s Power Slap promotion, aiming to become its first women’s champion. VanZant has also made a huge pile of money modeling for OnlyFans and other outlets, which dwarfs the paychecks she receives from her various combat sports ventures.
Ben Rothwell, Mike Perry, Bec Rawlings, and Jeremy Stephens: Busting Heads in BKFC
Multiple UFC fighters have crossed over to bare-knuckle boxing with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship promotion in particular benefitting tremendously from their striking talents. Ben Rothwell just won a promotional title recently.
Mike Perry‘s verbal feud with BKFC co-owner Conor McGregor and his foray into promoting his own Dirty Boxing promotion (which has its own share of ex-UFC talent) has him on the bareknuckle shelf at the moment.
Bec Rawlings got back into the win column in her last appearance in the promotion. Jeremy Stephens earned an opportunity to fight in the UFC at an event held in his hometown of Des Moines, IA thanks to his newfound bareknuckle fame, and these are just the biggest names from the UFC to cross over to bareknuckle boxing.
Marc Diakiese: Pursuing PFL Glory
Marc Diakiese transitioned from the UFC to the PFL in 2024. After a victorious debut against Tim Wilde, he entered the 2025 PFL World Tournament. Though he faced a setback with a knockout loss to Gadzhi Rabadanov in the quarterfinals, Diakiese remains a dynamic presence in the lightweight division.
Thiago Santos: Navigating New Challenges
Thiago Santos, after his UFC stint, joined the PFL in 2023. Facing formidable opponents like Yoel Romero and Denis Goltsov, Santos encountered mixed results.
In December 2024, he unfortunately signed with the troubled Global Fight League, though event postponements have delayed his debut. His resume and talent will likely help him find another suitable landing spot with the GFL’s future now in serious doubt.
Ray Borg: Competing Across Promotions
Ray Borg, a former UFC title challenger, continued his career with appearances in UAE Warriors and Eagle FC. Securing victories over Jesse Arnett, Cody Gibson, and Ricky Bandejas, Borg demonstrated resilience and adaptability in various promotions.
Holly Holm: Returning to Boxing Roots
Holly Holm, renowned for her UFC achievements, is returning to her boxing origins. Holm recently signed a management contract with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), signaling a renewed focus on her boxing career. She will return to the ring on June 28 on the undercard of a Golden Boy Promotions card in California against the 10-0 Yolanda Guadalupe Vega Ochoa.
Liz Carmouche: Bellator Champion
Liz Carmouche transitioned from the UFC to Bellator, where she achieved significant success. In 2022, she captured the Bellator flyweight title by defeating Juliana Velasquez and solidified her reign with a subsequent submission victory in their rematch. She is one of a few Bellator stars to make the crossover to PFL seamlessly.
Cris Cyborg: Continuing Legacy in Bellator
Cris Cyborg, one of MMA’s most formidable female fighters, transitioned from the UFC to Bellator in 2019. She captured the Bellator Featherweight Championship in her debut and has since defended it successfully, continuing her legacy of dominance. She also recently demolished her latest boxing opponent, Precious Harris McCray. Last year, she made the most of her opportunity to fight under the PFL banner. She won the promotion’s Superfight Title after a gritty and bloody three-round battle against PFL standout Larissa Pacheco.
Post-UFC Success is Possible
These fighters exemplify the diverse paths athletes can take post-UFC, finding success and new opportunities across various combat sports promotions. Their journeys highlight the dynamic nature of MMA and the ever-expanding landscape of combat sports.
