Exclusive: PFL Topples UFC as Common Alum Reveals Prime Differences in Business Models of Dana White and Donn Davis

Former MMA star and ex-PFL light heavyweight champion Sean O’Connell recently gave us at EssentiallySports an exclusive interview.  O’Connell who has previously fought for both, the PFL and the UFC, had unique insights to share about both promotions.

His perspective provided us with a brilliant outlook that helps weigh out the pros and cons of both MMA giants. Here’s what he had to say about his experience with the business models of both promotions.

PFL vs Dana White and Co., which one suited Sean O’Connell better?

The PFL has a format where the promotion works in seasons. That is not the case with the UFC. This fundamental difference can make a change in a fighter’s professional life like no other. O’Connell felt the same thing when he changed up his promotions.

“I enjoyed my experience fighting in the UFC, but the PFL’s season format definitely offered a different challenge and a new opportunity,” he told EssentiallySports. “The best part of the season format is that -just like in other sports- if one season doesn’t go your way you can get back to work and try again next year. The calendar resetting each season with everyone starting on even footing is unique and advantageous to fighters on the roster.”

So if you lose out on a season, that’s quite alright. It won’t mean you’ll be seen only in Fight Night events for a very long time before you get to go on a big pay-per-view. This can, unfortunately, happen to a fighter in the Dana White-led UFC. The former light heavyweight champion also opened up about how the PFL will progress with time.

Sean O’Connell also noted that a bad day in the cage won’t set a fighter’s career back several years in the PFL. Perhaps that’s why fighters like Francis Ngannou who haven’t found their desired footing in the UFC, are transitioning to the competitor.

What’s unique about the PFL?

The season format works in this way. Fighters compete in 3-round fights for twice a season. For each, they are rewarded 3 points and 3 more in bonus upon securing a knockout or submission finish. Eventually, it boils down to the top four highest ranked fighters who compete to win the Million dollar prize and the championship.

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Which is why Sean O’Connell believes that no other promotion offers what the PFL does. An environment where becoming champion is possible for every single season. Someone new could win the championship even if they had a terrible season last time around. This allows fighters to get what they desire the most, the title, the money, and the limelight for being a mixed martial artist. So, which business model do you prefer?

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