Dana White, the president of the UFC, stands out as one of the most outspoken figures in the realm of combat sports. Whether tackling contentious issues surrounding his promotion’s payment system or articulating his disagreement with a fighter’s choice to decline specific matchups, Dana White consistently speaks his mind without reservation.
In November, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) revealed its acquisition of the MMA promotion Bellator, both of which stand as direct rivals to Dana White’s UFC. During a post-event press conference, when questioned about his stance on the agreement, White’s response was notably harsh. The CEO of the UFC has previously been keen on tarnishing the organization’s reputation, and once again, he has chosen to do so.
UFC CEO Dana White reacts to the PFL purchasing Bellator 😅 #MMA pic.twitter.com/KK4FscPeJn
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) December 3, 2023
“One sh*tty organization that sells no tickets and nobody watches buys another sh*tty organization that sells no tickets and nobody watches. Sounds like a f*cking winner to me boy,” said the UFC boss at the post-fight conference in Austin, Texas, on December 2.
Established in 2008, Bellator once held a distinct position as the prominent second-place promotion in the broader MMA scene, trailing behind the UFC. Despite hosting impressive events in October and November, persistent rumors about Bellator being potentially up for sale have circulated in recent months. However, very recently, the formal announcement came that the PFL had officially acquired the competing promotion.
PFL chairman feels Dana White is worried after the PFL-Bellator merger
PFL founder Donn Davis is confident that the recent strategic move by his promotion has undoubtedly grabbed the attention of UFC CEO Dana White. Davis is convinced that the official announcement of PFL acquiring Bellator on November 20, 2023, has raised concerns for White and the UFC. Given the access to the complete roster of Bellator fighters, this deal has the potential to significantly disrupt the landscape of the MMA industry.
“Everybody knows Dana well enough that he only dismisses things that worry him, or else he just doesn’t comment,” Davis said on The MMA Hour. “He didn’t comment on the PFL for four years because he wasn’t worried. He has commented on the PFL a lot in the last six months. He’s worried,” added the PFL boss.
While talent remains crucial, PFL can draw insights from the pitfalls encountered by Bellator president Scott Coker during his tenure. Depending heavily on aging, seasoned fighters who were past their prime in the hope of generating attention proved to be a flawed strategy. Instead, PFL should focus on securing and nurturing top-tier young talent, signing them before the UFC can, and actively investing in their development.
However, this is just one facet of the equation. PFL must also persist in expanding into untapped markets, cultivating not only MMA enthusiasts but also fostering a dedicated fan base specifically for the PFL.