Former UFC star signs with Eddie Hearn’s promotion to pursue boxing career after retiring from MMA in March

In a significant move that sends ripples across the combat sports landscape, Matchroom Boxing, helmed by the influential promoter Eddie Hearn, has officially announced the signing of a prominent former UFC star. This high-profile acquisition marks a dramatic career pivot for the athlete, who concluded their decorated mixed martial arts journey in March, and is now set to embark on a professional boxing career under one of the sport's biggest banners. The signing underscores a growing trend of elite MMA fighters looking to test their skills in the squared circle, with Hearn’s promotion providing the ultimate platform for this ambitious transition.

Eddie Hearn has long been a vocal admirer of Dana White and the UFC’s operational model, often citing their success in building global superstars and captivating audiences. This respect now manifests in a direct bridge between the two combat sports titans, as a fighter who once graced the UFC’s hallowed Octagon will now be a centerpiece of Matchroom’s boxing events. The transition from the multifaceted demands of MMA to the specialized art of boxing presents a unique challenge, requiring a complete re-focus on striking fundamentals and defensive techniques. For a fighter of this caliber, however, it also offers a compelling narrative and the potential for a fresh, lucrative chapter in their athletic life. Fans who followed their journey through the UFC will undoubtedly be eager to see how their striking prowess translates without the threat of takedowns or submissions.