PFL Chairman Donn Davis Drops Major News On Fighter Contracts Amid Bellator Acquisition
PFL Chairman Donn Davis has opened up on a key aspect of Bellator contracts following news of an acquisition.
It was during Thanksgiving week when PFL higher ups issued a press release announcing the purchase of Bellator. Davis had explained to Ariel Helwani that the reason he felt acquiring Bellator was the right move is that it was the quickest and most effective path for the PFL to match the UFC's roster.
With the major news dropping, many had some questions on how Bellator contracts would carry over to the PFL.
During an episode of "The MMA Hour," Ariel Helwani revealed that he asked two follow-up questions that he didn't run by Davis when the two had a sit-down interview earlier in the week. Davis ended up responding to Helwani, who relayed what was said.
"When the UFC bought Pride, as we've discussed, some fighters didn't cross over," Helwani said. "Some of the contracts didn't cross over, Fedor Emelianenko most notably. I asked him [Donn Davis], can that happen here or as a result of the acquisition are all the contracts coming over? He said, 'Yes, that is accurate. All the contracts are coming over, no issues."
So, for those who had doubts about the likes of Bellator light heavyweight titleholder Vadim Nemkov or newly-minted undisputed bantamweight champion Patchy Mix sticking around, it looks like you may have to start believing.
As far as the other question Helwani asked is concerned, he was curious as to why the PFL decided against waiting until Showtime was officially done with combat sports in January 2024 before acquiring Bellator. Davis said that he was willing to honor lucrative contracts of the Bellator talent due to the fact that all of the fighters would've been on the free market had PFL waited. Davis also felt the move will build "good will and relationships."
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