Donn Davis is exiting his role as chairman at PFL.
The veteran executive made the announcement on social media just days after PFL president Ray Sefo also left the company after first launching in 2017. Former PFL CEO Peter Murray also just recently stepped down from his role with the company.
“From the moment I founded Professional Fighters League eight years ago, it has been my life,” Davis wrote. “My vision was to create an innovative and premium MMA company as the valuable alternative for those that want or need it. We started with nothing except universal skepticism. Against all odds, we succeeded. Now PFL is the clear No. 2 MMA company worldwide and the only other premium product.
“Today, I’m stepping down as chairman of PFL. I care deeply about each employee, value highly every investor, respect greatly our fighters and appreciate sincerely all our fans who supported this company. I gave you everything I’ve got.”
Read Davis’ full statement below:
Davis leaves the PFL at a critical time for the company with its current broadcast deal with ESPN coming to an end at the close of 2026. Prior to Davis stepping down, PFL hired former Time Warner executive John Martin as chief executive officer.
The 2026 PFL calendar kicks off in February with lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defending his title in Dubai with two more events already on the books in Spain and Pittsburgh.
“PFL changed the great sport of MMA for the better,” Davis wrote. “Meaningful innovations, unique global expansions, fighter empowerment and the company is just getting started. I’ve loved fighting to build PFL. What do you fight for?”
With Davis, Murray and Sefo all gone from PFL, it remains to be seen if any other senior executives are also leaving the company ahead of the 2026 schedule getting underway. PFL did announce a new round of financing to raise capital for the company on Wednesday.
Knighthead Capital Management, LLC and 885 Capital both expanded their ownership stakes in PFL as the company moves forward in 2026 and beyond.
“This capital raise marks a pivotal moment for PFL,” Martin said in a press release. “With a stronger financial foundation, engaged ownership, and experienced leadership in place, we are positioned to build a more compelling product for fighters and fans while accelerating our global ambitions.”
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