Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 16, 2024 2:08 pm GMT
Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and MMA star, left the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to join the UFC earlier this year. This decision sparked strong reactions, especially from PFL CEO Donn Davis, who expressed his disappointment over her departure.
Donn Davis’s Strong Words
Donn Davis claims that Harrison’s move to the UFC was an act of avoiding potential fights with tough competitors like Larissa Pacheco and Cris Cyborg. In an interview on Sirius XM’s MMA Today, Davis compared Harrison to NBA superstar Kevin Durant, suggesting that she left PFL to seek validation elsewhere.
- “I think those are the two toughest fights ahead of Kayla. I don’t like that she ran from those,” Davis stated, highlighting his disappointment over the situation.
- According to Davis, Harrison’s departure means she missed what he considers the biggest opportunities of her career: avenging her only loss to Pacheco and facing Cyborg, whom he labels the greatest of all time.
Harrison’s Career Moves
Harrison’s record in MMA stands at 17 wins and 1 loss. Her only defeat came against Pacheco during the PFL World Championships in November 2022. Before that loss, Harrison had bested Pacheco in two prior matchups, leading to a sense of rivalry.
In April, Harrison made headlines by dominating Holly Holm in her UFC debut, winning via submission in the second round at UFC 300. She is now set to fight Ketlen Vieira this Saturday at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City.
Davis initially aimed to keep Harrison within the PFL for a shot at revenging her loss to Pacheco and a future bout with Cyborg after PFL’s acquisition of Bellator.
What’s Next for Pacheco and Cyborg?
While Harrison prepares for her next fight, Larissa Pacheco is also on the move. Pacheco is set to fight Cris Cyborg on October 19 in Saudi Arabia. This matchup is anticipated by fans because it features two world-class fighters.
Davis expressed hope that Pacheco and Cyborg would deliver an exciting fight, further elevating the reputation of female fighters in the sport. “Every great fighter deserves a chance to prove themselves,” he said.
The Bigger Picture
Donn Davis’s comments reflect a broader discussion in MMA about competition, legacy, and fighter decisions. Some fighters pursue opportunities in various organizations, often leading to debates among fans and promoters.
- Harrison’s move to the UFC raises questions:
– Does she want to face tougher competition?
– Is she looking for a bigger platform to showcase her skills?
Davis believes that Harrison does not need validation from a brand, citing her impressive career as proof of her talent. “She’s that great,” he emphasized, hoping to see her face the best in the sport.
Conclusion
Donn Davis is sharing his feelings about Kayla Harrison leaving the PFL. Even though Harrison has done really well in the UFC, Davis thinks she should have stayed in the PFL to fight strong opponents like Larissa Pacheco and Cris Cyborg. The future looks exciting for these fighters, and fans can’t wait for the upcoming matches that might change their careers. As MMA keeps changing, one thing is sure: the competition will get even tougher. Right now, fans have a lot to look forward to in both the UFC and PFL!
