Ariel Helwani shares "bold prediction" involving Dana White's UFC and Donn Davis' PFL: "There is no insider info here"
Ariel Helwani recently shared a bold prediction involving Dana White's UFC and Donn Davis' PFL, which could be a massive surprise should it actually materialize. The Canadian journalist said that it could involve a highly coveted fighter, which could be intriguing as it would require the two executives to meet with each other.
The promotions are clearly not on the best of terms as Davis has referred to PFL as being a co-leader. Meanwhile, White has constantly taken jibes at the promotion for having significant financial issues and mentioned that all his top fighters want to jump to the UFC.
During the latest episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, the Canadian MMA journalist predicted that the two promotions could come together in order to facilitate a trade for Dakota Ditcheva. She recently defeated Taila Santos in the 2024 PFL world championship finals, so she could immediately insert herself in the UFC's women's flyweight title picture.
"There is no insider info here. Let me just preface this, okay?...The UFC will acquire, in a transaction with the PFL, the rights to Dakota Ditcheva...[UFC and PFL] will make a deal and by the end of the year, she'll be in the UFC."
Check out Ariel Helwani's prediction involving Dana White's UFC and Donn Davis' PFL below:
Dana White's UFC have dealt with other promotions to acquire fighters before
Although Ariel Helwani's bold prediction might sound too far-fetched, Dana White's UFC have dealt with other promotions to acquire the rights to fighters in the past.
Most recently, White's promotion worked out a deal with Japanese-based promotion RIZIN to acquire Kai Asakura while he was their reigning bantamweight champion. Asakura relinquished his title and made his promotional debut in a losing effort to flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310.
Another high-profile move saw the UFC work out a trade with ONE that saw Demetrious Johnson join the Asian MMA giant in exchange for Ben Askren. 'Mighty Mouse' was coming off his flyweight title loss to Henry Cejudo, while Askren was looking to join the MMA leader in hopes of capturing the welterweight championship.
Check out Ben Askren's reaction to winning his promotional debut after joining Dana White's UFC below: