Donn Davis recently announced that he has stepped down as chairman of the Professional Fighters League. The PFL underwent significant changes last year, and implemented a new format that takes effect this year.
Davis’ departure reshapes the promotion’s executive structure and PFL’s plans for 2026 and beyond. He brought bold vision to the PFL that aimed to deliver a professional sports-style presentation.
The promotion featured annual tournaments that included a regular season followed by playoffs. Each division’s winner received a $1 million prize and that year’s world championship. However, the promotion awarded last year’s winners $500, 000 instead.
The PFL has experienced a significant leadership shakeup in recent months. Former CEO Peter Murray and president Ray Sefo both parted ways with the organization. In July, John Martin assumed the role of CEO and introduced a new format and strategic direction.
In a post on his X account, Davis announced his departure and expressed pride in his work.
“I’ve loved fighting to build @PFLMMA. What do you fight for?”
In an accompanying statement, Davis reflected on his time with the PFL.
“From the moment I founded Professional Fighters League 8 years ago, it has been my life. My vision was to create an innovative and premium MMA company as the valuable alternative for those that want it or need it,” Davis wrote. “We started with nothing – except universal skepticism. Against all odds, we succeeded.”
Donn Davis Touts His Success as PFL Chairman
Donn Davis also highlighted the PFL’s growth during his time as chairman. He noted that the promotion expanded its roster and significantly grew its following.
In his X post, Davis said PFL attracted fans to their product and as a result, saw many elite fighters sign with them. Their quality also grew following their acquisition of Bellator.
“Now PFL is the clear No. 2 MMA company worldwide and the only other premium product. Zero Fighters to 80 if the top 300 world-ranked fighters under exclusive contract, zero live events to 24 per year on [four] continents,” Davis wrote.
He continued:
“Zero distribution to 190 countries with 20 major media partners, zero viewers to 2 million average linear and streaming global viewers per event, zero social followers to 30 million active across all platforms.”
Davis Expresses Gratitude for His PFL Tenure
Davis also expressed his gratitude for his time as PFL chairman and will remain a strong supporter. He reiterated that the promotion was able to serve as a viable alternative to the UFC and gave options for fighters.
Davis cited expansion in the form of PFL MENA and PFL Africa have been important for the promotion’s growth. He also expressed gratitude toward the fanbase and investors for believing in his vision.
“Today, I’m stepping down as chairman of PFL. I care deeply about each employee, value highly every investor, respect greatly our fighters, and appreciate sincerely all our fans who supported this company – I gave you everything I’ve got,” Davis wrote in his statement. “PFL’s global footprint, valuable assets, and market position has never before been achieved outside of UFC, I’m confident this foundation should lead to great future success.”
He added:
“PFL changed the great sport of MMA for the better – meaningful innovations, unique global expansion, fighter empowerment – and the company is just getting started.”
Donn Davis Steps Down as PFL Chairman Amid Major Shakeup