Dana White reacts to PFL founder Donn Davis' proposed $8 million cross-promotion fight deal: "It cannot be fun to be one of their investors"
UFC CEO Dana White has responded to PFL founder Donn Davis’ proposal for a co-promotion deal featuring Kayla Harrison after her unanimous decision victory over Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307.
Harrison, a former two-time PFL tournament champion, returned to the cage, but the PFL stirred controversy by releasing a video highlighting her only professional loss to Larissa Pacheco just hours before the fight.
During the UFC 307 post-fight press conference, White criticized the PFL for its promotional strategies, suggesting they are “drowning” in their rivalry with the UFC and squandering resources.
In response, Davis proposed a cross-promotion fight that would feature Harrison facing Cris Cyborg and Pacheco taking on Julianna Pena. He set a financial incentive of $2 million for each fighter, stating that the losing promotion would cover the costs.
However, White dismissed the offer during a recent post-event presser of 'Dana White's Contender Series', saying:
"It cannot be fun to be one of their investors. It cannot be fun."
Check out Dana White's comments below:
Dana White weighs in on promotional efforts from fighters after signing with the UFC
Dana White addressed the difference in promotional efforts from fighters who transition to the UFC from organizations like PFL and Bellator. His comments came during a discussion about the PFL's controversial decision to post Kayla Harrison's loss to Larissa Pacheco.
White highlighted that fighters often begin to promote their bouts more vigorously upon joining the UFC, citing the heightened platform and exposure they receive.
During the UFC 307 post-event presser, White stated:
"I don't know if it's turning it on, it's just another level when you get here [to the UFC]. [The fighters] feel it. You feel it, fu**ing rot away in the PFL for years or the fu**ing Bellator and sh*t and then you finally get here, you feel it."
Check out Dana White's comments at the press conference below (4:38):