Summary
Donn Davis was the founder of the PFL. Photo: Reproduction/x.
The MMA world was taken by surprise this Wednesday (21). The President and founder of the PFL, Donn Davis, announced his departure from the company through a statement on social media. The executive was at the head of the organization for almost a decade and under his command figures such as Kayla harrison, Larissa pacheco e Renan Problem They became known to the general public.
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Although he did not give a clear reason for his decision, the American praised his career path over the years.
“From the moment I founded the Professional Fighters League 8 years ago, it became my life. My vision was to create an innovative, high-quality MMA company as a valuable alternative. For those who want or need it. We started from scratch – except for universal skepticism. Against all odds, we succeeded. Now, the PFL is clearly the second largest MMA company in the world and the only other premium product,” part of the statement read.
I've loved fighting to build @PFLMMA
What Do You Fight For? #PFLMMA pic.twitter.com/hdGl6m5jRH
— Donn Davis (@DonnDavisPFL) January 21, 2026
The PFL was launched in 2018 after the former World Series of Fighting was bought by Davis. With the support of Middle Eastern investors, the group bought Bellator and acquired some of its athletes in 2023. However, the organization has recently gone through crises, with several fighters publicly criticizing its internal politics.
PFL Decagon seen from above (Photo: PFL)
Check out the full statement from the former president of the PFL.
From the moment I founded the Professional Fighters League 8 years ago, it has been my life. My vision was to create an innovative and premium MMA company as a valuable alternative for those who wanted or needed it.
We started with nothing — except universal skepticism. Against all odds, we succeeded. Now PFL is the clear #2 MMA company worldwide and the only other premium product.
From 0 fighters to 80 of the top 300 ranked fighters in the world under exclusive contract.
From 0 live events to 24 per year across 4 continents.
From zero distribution to 190 countries with 20 major media partners.
From 0 views to 2 million average global views per linear and streaming event.
From 0 social media followers to 30 million active followers across all platforms.
Today I am resigning as president of the PFL.
I care deeply about each employee, I highly value each investor, I greatly respect our fighters, and I sincerely appreciate all of our fans who have supported this company — I gave it my all.
The PFL's global footprint, valuable assets, and market position have never before been achieved in MMA outside of the UFC. I am confident that this foundation should lead to great future success.
The PFL has changed the great sport of MMA for the better — significant innovations, unique global expansion, fighter empowerment — and the company is only just getting started. I loved fighting to build the PFL. Why do you fight?
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