UFC and PFL are “Coke and Pepsi,” says founder Donn Davis, who explains why the promotions are more alike than fans think: “Watching the same thing"
The UFC is undoubtedly the biggest MMA promotion in the world, while the Professional Fighters' League (PFL) is slowly securing the No.2 position. However, PFL founder Donn Davis believes the two promotions are essentially the same and recently explained why.
With the rise in global popularity of mixed martial arts, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is no longer the place reserved for the best MMA fighters in the world.
World class talent can be found elsewhere, competing in other promotions such as ONE Championship, PFL and Cage Warriors.
With the PFL scheduled to host its biggest-ever event on Oct. 19, Battle of the Giants, Davis recently sat down with Front Office Sports to discuss the similarities between the two biggest MMA promotions. He said:
"There's only one company that does independent measurement of athletes. Now, of course Don King in boxing would rank all his guys at the top, and so would Dana [White]. Fight Matrix rankings, independent, they rank wherever you fight in MMA from 1 to 500 in your weight class. 30% of the UFC's roster is top-25 ranked in the world. 30% of the PFL's roster [is ranked top-25 in the world]. So if you tune in on Saturday night and watch UFC, and you tune in on Friday night and watch PFL, you're watching the exact same thing. It is Coke and Pepsi."
Watch Donn Davis' interview below (7:35):
UFC CEO Dana White unbothered about PFL mega-card
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to host their biggest ever card on Oct. 19, and one of the biggest MMA cards in recent memory. The pay-per-view event will feature numerous exciting bouts, but arguably none more anticipated than the return of Francis Ngannou to MMA.
'The Predator' has not competed in MMA since his bout with Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in 2022. Since, he has competed twice in boxing, suffering two defeats including a controversial decision loss to Tyson Fury.
Earlier this week, White was in attendance for the latest edition of 'Dana White's Contender Series.' Following the event, he appeared in front of the media and was asked for his thoughts on Ngannou's PFL debut, to which he replied:
"What do I care?"
Watch Dana White's response below (24:03):