Joe Rogan challenged by PFL boss Donn Davis over UFC comment

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PFL founder Donn Davis hasn’t taken Joe Rogan’s comments lying down, firing back at the UFC commentator’s claims about fighter quality.

Rogan, who has been a staple behind the microphone for the UFC for years, recently stated that true greatness in MMA can only be proven inside the Octagon, dismissing other promotions.

Davis, however, pushed back hard on that narrative. Pointing to several high-profile fighters who have opted to sign with the PFL over the UFC, he argued that his league is much more than just a secondary option.

Joe Rogan claims you can’t be the best without UFC recognition

Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast, Joe Rogan suggested that anyone wanting to be considered the best MMA fighter in the world needs to have proved it in the UFC octagon. It’s a common belief, and one that is supported by data, but it remains a sore spot for rival organisations and their supporters.

“That title is worth so much,” he said of the UFC championship. “You know, it’s the name. It is the combat sports leader, and if you’re not in the UFC, I don’t care. Look, you can go to the PFL and you can win that million dollar tournament and I’m all for that.

“I’m very happy for those guys that they get to feed their families, they get to provide and they make a great living and they can retire with some money in the bank. But the reality is part of what you’re doing is you’re trying to be the best, and if you’re going to be the best, you kind of have to be in the UFC.”

Donn Davis responds to Joe Rogan’s UFC comments

PFL founder Donn Davis wasn’t happy with Rogan’s comments, and he responded by naming several fighters who have chosen the PFL or Bellator over the UFC. Each of these fighters has built a strong reputation in the sport, with some even holding titles in the octagon before moving elsewhere.

“Is this really true Joe?!” Davis asked. “Francis Ngannou, Dakota Ditcheva, Cris Cyborg, Usman Nurmagomedov, Corey Anderson and Paul Hughes. [Vadim] Nemkov also following his mentor and coach Fedor [Emelianenko] and not in UFC… Seems to me Joe Rogan that many TOP MMA fighters are in PFL.”

Both Ngannou and Cyborg had successful title reigns in the UFC before leaving for new opportunities. Corey Anderson was close to a UFC title shot but found championship success after making the move to Bellator and now the PFL.