Josh Thomson Slams PFL Leadership, Questions Their Ability to Rival UFC

Former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson isn’t sold on the PFL as a true competitor to the UFC. The veteran fighter, who transitioned into commentary after retiring, has worked closely with multiple promotions, but he remains skeptical of PFL’s potential.

Speaking on MMA Junkie Radio, Thomson didn't hold back his thoughts about PFL’s leadership, particularly its executives. “I wish PFL would get their sh*t together. The bottom line is we need another promotion (other than the UFC) that can develop upcoming talent. I don’t know if they can build it,” Thomson stated. “Mike Kogan is there, so I know there’s potential, but do I have faith in Pete Murray and Donn Davis? I have absolutely no faith in them getting the job done. They don’t watch the sport, they don’t know the sport, they don’t know their athletes.”

Thomson specifically called out PFL founder Donn Davis, pointing to an incident that further solidified his doubts. “I worked the Riyadh show for them. Donn Davis literally walked up to me and said, ‘Hey man, love watching your fights. I’m pumped to watch your fight tomorrow night.’ I just shrugged it off. Like, man, if you don’t know, you don’t know.”

For Thomson, the lack of hands-on leadership from Davis and other executives is a major issue. “You have to follow the sport, know the fighters, and understand what’s happening. That’s how you build stars. You can’t do it by sitting in an office and not watching fights.”

Despite his criticism, Thomson hopes PFL can correct its course and become a legitimate competitor to the UFC. However, he doesn’t see that happening under the current leadership. “I would love for them to get it together, but right now, I just don’t see it. If they want to be the best, they need people who actually understand the sport.”