Ariel Helwani and Skilled Fighters League co-founder Donn Davis are going at it on X.
On Wednesday, Helwani adopted up on a report that the International Battle League had cancelled its inaugural two-night occasion in Los Angeles. The cardboard was scheduled to characteristic a slew of former UFC champions and among the sport’s high prospects. Now, there are questions as as to whether or not the promotion will even get off the bottom after struggling its first main setback.
Talking concerning the GFL’s failure to launch, Helwani prompt that there’s a a lot greater drawback within the MMA panorama than simply one other promotion probably coming and going.
“PFL isn’t paying as a lot as they as soon as did,” Helwani mentioned on The Boys within the Again. The Bellator No.2 model doesn’t exist. ONE isn’t paying almost as a lot for MMA fighters. GFL was that hope. One of these promotion doesn’t exist, and on the finish of the day, that’s not good for the for the fighters or the enterprise.”
Getting wind of Helwani’s feedback, Donn Davis took exception to his declare that the PFL isn’t paying its athletes as a lot because it used to.
“This type of mis-reporting hurts MMA fighters and the MMA business,” Davis wrote in response. “@arielhelwani is mistaken about. @PFLMMA fighter compensation. PFL common fighter pay UP. PFL fighter roster payroll UP. His click on bait is disservice to fighters and followers … as effectively #PFLMMA who serves each.”
Ariel Helwani snaps again
By no means one to again away from an assault on his journalistic integrity, Helwani promptly tore into Davis with some chilly, laborious information.
“You’re within the midst of one of many worst PR runs within the historical past of fight sports activities,” Helwani started. “I can’t open this app with out seeing considered one of your high stars complain concerning the state of your organization. I’m the least of your issues, however I take subject with you claiming my info is inaccurate.
“Are you paying the identical to the event winners? No. Not even shut. Did you ask Bellator fighters to re-work contracts? Sure. Did you cancel occasions final 12 months? Sure. Are you holding occasions at Common Studios circa WCW in 1994 — look it up, I do know you’re new to this — thus, producing little to no gate income? Sure. In reality, it continues to baffle me at how few tickets you’re in a position to promote in America in any case these years.
“I’ve requested you to return on my present — what’s it 5,6 occasions now — to speak about a few of these issues and your upcoming fights, and also you proceed to refuse. Why’s that, Donn? The one one who has been a disservice to this sport are the Johnny-come-lately promoters who assume they’ll trip this MMA wave by convincing traders to gamify the battle recreation. Season! Standing! Playoffs! Nonsense. every little thing I mentioned was true. Proceed writing posts on LinkedIn — to your present or potential traders, certainly – proceed speaking about FightMatrix. I’ll proceed to inform the reality.”
Because the PFL acquired Bellator in late 2023, the promotion has misplaced a slew of the now-defunct MMA group’s high stars, together with each Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico, who’ve signed with the UFC. Different names like Corey Andeson and Patchy Combine have vented their frustration over the dearth of fights since being folded into the PFL.
