Dana White makes his feelings crystal clear on PFL's Bellator acquisition
UFC boss Dana White rarely talks about rival promotions like PFL in a positive light, and there was no exception after his rival completed a seismic acquisition of Bellator
UFC CEO Dana White characteristically ridiculed the takeover of Bellator MMA by Pro Fighters League (PFL) MMA, sarcastically labeling the move a ‘f****** winner’. The PFL has made a series of moves as they jostle to cement second place behind the UFC in the MMA space, and the acquisition of Bellator is undoubtedly the most aggressive.
Related articles
Last month, the PFL announced it had agreed on a deal to purchase UFC’s longtime rival Bellator just two days after Bellator 301 in Chicago. The terms of the deal mean Bellator fighters will be able to fight in the PFL as well as in Bellator-branded events while the PFL keeps both brands alive.
The move is an unprecedented one. The two promotions were constantly battling to claim the second spot behind the UFC, and the merger now means they bolster their roster under one banner.
PFL founder Donn Davis is confident the move means his promotion can now truly compete with the UFC. PFL recently renewed its deal with ESPN, which is also the UFC’s broadcast partner.
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
It appears Davis’ comments have irked White. Speaking after UFC Fight Night: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan, White was asked about his thoughts on the recent acquisition of Bellator MMA by PFL MMA.
“It’s f****** hilarious,” White told reporters. “Good for them. I wish them all the luck in the world.
“I’ve covered this before. One s***** organization that sells no tickets and nobody watches buys another s***** organization that sells no tickets and nobody watches. Sounds like a f***** winner to me. Woo!”
While White does not feel threatened, the acquisition is a promising move to give UFC competition and gives the PFL further momentum after adding Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou recently. Such aggressive moves mean White is ‘worried’, according to Davis.
“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.”
