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Dana White’s Cunning Move to Avoid Public Shame Exposed by PFL Founder as UFC and PFL Get Different Treatment From Saudi Arabia

Published 01/18/2024, 2:30 AM EST

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UFC CEO Dana White has recently been targeted by PFL founder, Donn Davis, for his attempt to avoid public scrutiny. The comments refer to the reports of the UFC’s highly anticipated debut event in Saudi Arabia facing a delay, shifting from the initially slated March 2 date in Riyadh. The postponement, potentially to June, was initially revealed by Ariel Helwani on “The MMA Hour.”

As such, Davis recently made an appearance on Helwani’s show and revealed his own thoughts on the situation. He suggested that the UFC’s blunder with the Saudi Arabia event cancellation was not a mere coincidence and claimed that White’s changing of the event date has another reason behind it!

Dana White and the UFC put on notice by PFL founder  

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According to reports, Saudi Arabia had expressed a desire for a more substantial and high-profile fight card than the UFC and White had initially proposed. But Davis emphasized that those knowledgeable in MMA had criticized the UFC’s March 2 card, deeming it unworthy of being hosted in Saudi Arabia due to poor fight quality.

Davis also acknowledged that while the UFC could potentially load up a card for a mega-event, it was not a frequent occurrence. He stated, “Could UFC load up a card and have a mega card? They could. Do they do it that often? They don’t. We’re going to do it every time we do it.”

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In contrast, he revealed that the PFL is committed to delivering top-tier fights consistently, providing partners like Saudi Arabia and PPV platforms such as DAZN or ESPN+ with two high-caliber events annually. Davis also asserted that “I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the UFC March 2nd event was canceled the day before our fight event.”

 

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The timing of the UFC’s event postponement, strategically coinciding with PFL’s high-profile card in Saudi Arabia, raises questions about White’s intentions and the dynamics between the two organizations. Therefore, the situation highlights the competition and strategic maneuvering within the MMA landscape, as both the UFC and PFL vie for attention and recognition on a global scale.

Watch This Story: Unsealed Documents Expose Dana White Turning His Back On Jon Jones 

But despite the turbulence surrounding the Saudi Arabia event, Dana White has recently caused the fans’ excitement to shoot through the roof with more fights being added to the historic UFC 300 card!

White reveals new additions to UFC 300  

UFC 300 is set to be a blockbuster event with Dana White revealing more matchups and adding excitement to the already highly anticipated fight card. Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway will go head-to-head for the BMF title on April 14 in Las Vegas, showcasing a clash between two fighters with reputations as some of the sport’s toughest competitors.

In another significant bout, 40-year-old Jim Miller, the all-time leader in UFC wins with 26, will take on the relentless Bobby Green, known for his flashy striking style and ability to finish fights.

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Speaking about Gaethje and Holloway, White emphasized, “Two of the all-time greats in their division and this fight will be five rounds for the BMF title.” White’s announcement on social media stirred excitement among fans, underscoring the significance of UFC 300 as a landmark event that promises thrilling matchups and fierce competition!

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Do you think Donn Davis is right about Dana White’s decision to postpone the Saudi Arabia event being influenced by the PFL? And what fight are you most looking forward to at UFC 300? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! 

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Written by:

Dushyant Patni

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I am Dushyant Patni, a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. My passion for Mixed Martial Arts started because my father used to be a boxer and a martial arts fanatic. It passed down to me as my first pair of boxing gloves were his old ones! Prior to joining EssentiallySports, I honed my writing and editing skills across various organizations as a writer and an editor.
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Edited by:

Yeswanth Praveen