Davis Claims PFL’s PPV Outshines UFC 306

PFL co-founder Donn Davis has made bold claims ahead of the “PFL: Ngannou vs. Ferreira” pay-per-view event scheduled for October 19, 2024, in Saudi Arabia. According to Davis, not only is the card set to rival UFC 306, which took place at the Sphere in Las Vegas, but the production costs will surpass UFC’s recent extravaganza.

PFL vs UFC: Which Event is Bigger?

The highly anticipated PFL event will feature former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou making his promotional debut against Renan Ferreira. The co-main event will see Cris Cyborg take on Larissa Pacheco, which Davis described as

“the biggest women’s fight of the year.” Davis told the New York Post, “I believe this is the biggest event possible in MMA because of the co-mains, this year in 2024, and that makes it, certainly, the biggest thing for PFL.”

Davis made no secret of the financial stakes involved, stating that the cost of putting on this fight is “astronomical,” even more than UFC 306. He noted that fighters on the PFL card, including Ferreira, are earning significantly more compared to their previous contracts.

“Fighters make more, the card here has more big fights coming. This cost to us is more than [UFC’s] cost to the Sphere,” Davis asserted.

Dana White’s Response

Dana White, the president of UFC, responded to Davis’ statements during a media scrum, showing little concern.

“I didn’t even know who he was until you said it,” White joked, before adding, “Good luck, hope it all works out.” White’s nonchalant reaction underscores his confidence in UFC’s position as the industry leader, even as PFL seeks to carve out a larger share of the market.

What’s at Stake for PFL?

The October 19th card is crucial for PFL, not just in terms of competition but also as a showcase of its ambitions. Ngannou’s return to MMA, following a tumultuous departure from UFC, and his brief foray into boxing, is a major draw for the event. Davis believes the timing is perfect, with interest in both Ngannou and Ferreira peaking.

“I think it’s the fight of the year that’s finally on,” Davis remarked, emphasizing the significance of Ngannou’s long-awaited return to MMA.

Cris Cyborg’s fight also adds another layer of intrigue. Cyborg, who has been dominant in women’s MMA for years, will face a formidable challenge in Pacheco. Davis stated,

“We want to show fans that we can put on just as good, or better, a product than anyone else in the world.”

Can PFL Meet Expectations?

With such high stakes, both financially and in terms of reputation, the October 19th event represents a pivotal moment for PFL. Whether the organization can truly outshine UFC 306 remains to be seen, but with Ngannou, Ferreira, Cyborg, and Pacheco headlining the card, expectations are sky-high.

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