Will Ryan Hall make a triumphant return, or will he be sidelined by the weight of his absence?
Ryan Hall is planning on returning to the Octagon in early 2025. But where will that debut take place? Hall has expressed interest in fighting at bantamweight – a lower weight class than his typical output – but hasn’t ruled out a big fight at featherweight if it presents itself. After all, many fans clamor for a matchup with Bryce Mitchell.
“If they would let me fight Bryce Mitchell coming back, I would,” Hall said during an interview. “But, in the event that (doesn’t happen), we will see what’s available. But, I would be open to fighting at 135 because all my buddies fight at 135 are my size or heavier.”
Hall’s interest is not solely about his own return. He is aiming for meaningful fights upon his comeback and desires a challenge in either the lightweight or bantamweight divisions, where he’ll be joined by friends who compete at those weight classes. Hall says a matchup against Bryce Mitchell could be a key factor in his return to the Octagon, especially if it presents an opportunity to fight at featherweight.
“I would love to have a meaningful fight at 145,” Hall said. “But, I know it’s been tough because I’ve been gone for so long. Other people have earned the opportunity to get to get the bigger fights. I don’t know what’s reasonable for me to expect in my return.”
Will this be a meaningful comeback? Only time will tell.