The UFC is unquestionably the premier MMA promotion in the world. However, the Professional Fighters’ League (PFL) is inching closer to the number two spot. With Francis Ngannou returning in Saturday’s PFL: ‘Battle of the Giants’ (DAZN/ESPN+ pay-per-view), all bets are off. Once again, the PFL vs. UFC debates are on full tank. But PFL founder Donn Davis believes the two promotions are essentially the same, and he recently revealed why.
World-class talent can be found elsewhere, such as ONE, PFL, and Cage Warriors. UFC still maintains the monopoly and the grind though, even with divergent ideas (Contender Series, Fight Pass Invitational, and so on). Given his tumultuous exit, Francis Ngannou’s high-octane MMA return has scoped into the debate once again. Donn Davis recently sat down as the PFL preps to host its biggest PPV event to date, ‘Battle of the Giants’.
There’s only one company that does independent measurement of athletes…Fight Matrix rankings, independent, …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, …you tune in on Friday night [PFL], you’re watching the exact same thing. It is Coke and Pepsi.
Donn Davis to ‘Front Office Sports’ editor-in-chief Dan Roberts (@FrontOfficeSports)
PFL, much like premier rival UFC, skims off the top of the milk. Take a look at Francis Ngannou as a representation of the talent pool. He was the hottest-ever global free agency signing making a debut. He took his out as an ex-UFC lineal heavyweight holding his crown and is still considerably the MMA heavyweight G.O.A.T. Much of the PFL: ‘Battle of the Giants’ pay-per-view lineup goes the same.
Two-time PFL winner Larissa Pacheco (23-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC) and Cris Cyborg (27-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC’ last UD win at UFC 240) serve as the co-main bills. As have many others taken part over the years. Hence, Donn Davis presents that though they don’t mix well, it’s no wonder they are always in competition. It’s because they similarly have well-ranked top crops in global listings, like UFC. UFC CEO Dana White though, could be less than bothered.
UFC CEO Dana White not bothered by PFL mega-card
Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira meet tomorrow in the ‘Battle of the Giants’ (DAZN/ESPN+) pay-per-view at The Mayadeen in Riyadh. Ngannou (17-3) hasn’t been in MMA since his successful defense against Ciryl Gane in January 2022. Hence, his return to the pay-per-view Super Fight has been garnering much attention. Ferreira is coming off a 21-second dismantling of Bellator heavyweight champ Ryan Bader last February.
A PFL HW tournament winner is already on a highlight roll, this is a challenge for the ages. Almost three years since his last MMA bout, the Cameroonian was on the rumor mill to face UFC heavyweight Jon Jones. With him having a more independent contractual role in PFL, that became more of an opportunity. However, it never came to be, with him and UFC bossman White squabbling over narratives.
During the week 10 of Contender Series 76 post-fight press conference, Dana White fielded questions about Ngannou making a comeback. He had quite a scathing take on the matter.
What do I care? …[Chuckles]
Dana White during DWCS Week 10 Contender Series 76 post-fight conference interviews
Dana White is asked his thoughts on Francis Ngannou making his PFL debut this weekend:
What do I care? pic.twitter.com/JkoWysYxLJ
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 16, 2024
With the bad blood, it makes some sense that White would not care about a competing promotion’s biggest card. Hence the non-UFC “Ngannou vs. Ferreira” makes no sense to him at all. However, like it or avoid it, the fate of the PFL Super Fights: “Battle of the Giants,” can very well decide the fate of his favorite fighter Jon Jones. Given that Jones is planning his swan song while Ngannou is just getting started.
