Donn Davis, the founder and longtime chairman of the Skilled Fighters League, introduced his resignation from the position on January 21, 2026, marking a dramatic turning level for the group he constructed from scratch eight years in the past.
Davis revealed the decision in a statement posted to social media, reflecting on his journey from founding PFL in 2017 to establishing what he described as “the clear #2 MMA company worldwide”. The announcement comes amid significant organizational turbulence, with multiple high-level executives departing and the promotion undergoing major structural changes that have abandoned its founding principles.
“From the moment I founded Professional Fighters League 8 years ago, it has been my life,” Davis wrote in his statement. “Today I’m stepping down as chairman of PFL.”
PFL Founder and Chairman Donn Davis Resigns Amid Massive Executive Exodus
The resignation follows a wave of executive departures that began in July 2025 when John Martin, former chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting, was appointed as PFL’s new chief executive. That move saw founding CEO Peter Murray transition to head PFL International before departing the organization entirely in January 2026. Days later, longtime president Ray Sefo, a holdover from the World Series of Fighting era, also parted ways with the promotion.
Under his leadership, PFL secured vital milestones together with a $100 million funding from Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports activities Investments in 2023, the acquisition of rival Bellator MMA in November 2023, and the signing of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Davis claimed PFL had grown to 80 of the highest 300 world-ranked fighters beneath unique contract, 24 reside occasions per yr throughout 4 continents, distribution in 190 nations, and 30 million lively social media followers.
Davis himself became a controversial figure within the MMA community. He publicly criticized Frncis Ngannou for lacking PFL Africa’s debut occasion, feuded with UFC commentator Joe Rogan over fighter high quality claims, and in contrast departing two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison to NBA participant Kevin Durant becoming a member of an excellent staff. UFC president Dana White steadily dismissed Davis and PFL’s aggressive threats, at one level stating Davis solely feedback on issues that fear him.
In his resignation statement, Davis emphasized PFL’s accomplishments while expressing confidence in the organization’s foundation. “PFL global footprint, valuable assets, and market position has never before been achieved in MMA outside of UFC,” he wrote. “I’m confident this foundation should lead to great future success.”
The statement concluded with a philosophical question: “I’ve loved fighting to build PFL. What do you fight for?”
PFL’s next event is scheduled for February 7, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, featuring lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defending his title against Alfie Davis.
