Dana White’s UFC is undeniably the largest MMA promotion globally, boasting the biggest stars and a massive international fan base. However, other organizations, like the PFL, are rising to challenge its dominance. This weekend, the PFL will host the showdown between Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira, who aim to beat UFC records.
UFC made history by gathering their biggest live gate at the iconic UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere. The event demonstrated UFC’s ability to put forward an incredible experience for fight fans. However, according to PFL Co-founder Donn Davis, they have invested more than $20 million in their upcoming fight card.
Dana White loves to talk about the Sphere, well most of the $20 million went into things like historic movies. This is more than $20 million, and most of it is going into this event on October 19.
Donn Davis via The FOS Interview
Davis expressed gratitude to PFL’s partners for supporting the organization’s investment efforts. He has never shied away from speaking his mind regarding White, the UFC, and the strength of the PFL roster. According to Davis, Dana White is scared of the PFL’s significant rise in the last five years.
Donn Davis: Dana White loves to talk about the Sphere. Well, most of his $20M went into those historic movies. This is more than $20M and most of it is going into the fights on October 19th. And we couldn’t do that without our partners. pic.twitter.com/lUsIsf80h5
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 17, 2024
In contrast, White has been skeptical of claims regarding PFL’s reported $20 million expenditure on Francis Ngannou’s fight. The UFC boss has often criticized the league’s financial choices, including the acquisition of Bellator. He has also called out PFL for their lack of viewership and branding in combat sports.
Dana White shuts down Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones PFL collaboration
Before he departed from UFC, Francis Ngannou was linked to fight Jon Jones in a heavyweight title fight. However, after he joined PFL, Dana White claimed that Cameroonian-French didn’t want to risk losing to Jones. Ngannou responded by saying that White as always is controlling the narrative in his favor.
Both Jones and Ngannou are the biggest names in the heavyweight division. As a result, fight fans were expecting a cross-promotion fight between both fighters. When asked about the idea, White was quick to dismiss the idea and ridicule the journalist who asked the question.
I’m not interested in that. Should I? We’ve got 1, 2 and 3 (in MSG history). They can’t sell a f****g gate. It’s a stupid question, but go ahead. I tried to make the fight here. They didn’t want to do it. But I should co-promote with like a Bellator or a PFL? Why should I do that? Because of ESPN? You win the dumb question of the night. Congratulations, sir.
Dana White via UFC 295 post-fight press conference
“You win the dumb question of the night. Congratulations, sir.”
Dana White did not take kindly to questions of a cross-promotion with PFL for a Francis Ngannou fight. pic.twitter.com/4qm1JzIISG
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 12, 2023
The tension between White and Francis Ngannou has become almost palpable, with both frequently taking jabs at each other online. Recently, the UFC boss cast doubt on the size of Ngannou’s boxing fight purses. ‘The Predator’ fired back and offered to reveal the receipts. This ongoing rivalry only intrigues Ngannou’s upcoming fight against Renan Ferreira, making it all the more compelling.
