“Ideas are overrated, execution is underrated.” Donn Davis is the founder, co-owner and chairman of Professional Fighters League. Davis previously co-founded, co-led and led investment firm Revolution with Steve Case and Ted Leonsis for 10 years. Davis quit his well-paid job when he heard about the sale of MMA titan UFC. He then began building the sports league based on his vision. The blood, sweat and tears of the past eight years have paid off. PFL’s value is $1 billion. Davis’s approach to launching and growing his business and brand was different from the rest.
What is the elevator pitch of PFL?
The Professional Fighters League is March Madness mingled with MMA. All fighters begin the PFL season at the same time. “win and advance” The annual champion is determined by a single-elimination system. PFL, on the other hand, is more of a meritocracy driven by fighters than UFC which is promoted. PFL, which was founded in 2007, has quickly become the second largest MMA organization worldwide, based on all metrics: quality of fighters and global audience.
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Why did you create PFL and what was the inspiration?
PFL was founded the same day UFC sold to Endeavor. In their press material, I learned that UFC only offered 50 UFC premium events to the MMA fanbase. Comparing this to soccer, which has 5,000 games from eight leagues and a $35b revenue divided between them. There would have been more than one winner MMA organization if the 650,000,000 MMA fans had wanted premium fights. PFL does not compete with UFC. PFL captures the huge markets that UFC ignores or is underserved.
What makes this league different from others?
The UFC is not the only place where top MMA athletes can be found. MMA does not have the same problem as football where you don’t get enough quarterbacks or baseball where starting pitchers aren’t good enough. PFL’s fighter roster is nearly as good as UFC. This has been confirmed by independent rating agencies. This is a staggering statistic, which most people won’t be able to believe since the UFC is such a strong brand and PFL is so new. Fans can watch the same quality fighters when they choose to watch UFC Saturdays on ESPN and PFL Fridays on ESPN. Francis Ngannou, the top heavyweight fighter in the entire world is currently at PFL. Cris Cyborg, the greatest woman in history is now at PFL. Dakota Ditcheva, the top rising star of the world is now at PFL.
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What is the meaning of the word “entrepreneur” What do you mean to me?
Never give up! The same entrepreneurial traits are shared by both a local $250K sub shop and a SaaS AI $250M company — unwavering commitment, creativity, resilience, relentlessness, undivided dedication. Respect for every entrepreneur.
What is your best piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Give, not get. You should ask what your counterpart wants, and then come up with a solution or partnership to meet their requirements. As Jerry McGuire once said: “Help me, help you.” As a child, I grew up in Cincinnati and believe that the Midwest is a place where people are from. “win-win” philosophy. I have achieved success by being an excellent partner.
