The UFC’s only true rival in the West, the Professional Fighters League (PFL), is sparing no effort in its pursuit of challenging Dana White’s multi-million-dollar empire. To enhance their standing and match the UFC’s level, the PFL has decided to implement a significant rule change. Last year, the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports voted to lift the restriction on downward elbow strikes—also known as “12-to-6″ elbows—on a grounded opponent.

In response, UFC head honcho Dana White wasted no time, lifting the ban ahead of UFC Fight Night 246 on November 2. This move prompted other promotions, including the PFL, to reconsider their own policies. However, PFL’s CEO, Donn Davis, initially allowed the change only for championship bouts, including those in PFL seasons and PFL MENA events. Concerns about disrupting the season schedule kept elbows prohibited in non-title fights, leading to frustration among fans who called for PFL to legalize elbows across all bouts.

Fast forward to just a couple of weeks after Christmas, Donn Davis has now announced a major update for the organization: elbows will be permitted in all PFL fights. Sharing the news on X, he stated, “New Year… New Adjustments. YOU asked for ELBOWS, @PFLMMA is giving you elbows! All elbows. All fights. All the time. #PFLMMA 2025 … COMING.” This bold decision has stirred excitement throughout the MMA community, particularly as Davis and the PFL continue to challenge the UFC’s dominance.

Moreover, in a move similar to Dana White’s successful partnership with Saudi sports magnate Turki Alalshikh—which led to significant UFC investment—Alalshikh has become a key investor in the PFL since January 2024. The PFL has already made a notable mark in the Middle East, with major events planned for this year. The first of these, on January 25, will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, where undefeated Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov is set to face Irish sensation Paul Hughes.

This fight is part of a groundbreaking collaboration between the PFL and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, paving the way for nine more championship bouts in the region. As a result, these pivotal rule changes offer both fans and fighters new opportunities to showcase a broader array of skills. However, for UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, these developments may bring little more than disappointment. Let’s now explore the reasons behind this shift and its potential impact on the UFC.

Jon Jones’ reaction to legalizing ’12-6′ elbows attacks

Jon Jones, UFC heavyweight star, has built an illustrious career, though not without its share of controversies. His record remains largely untarnished, with the exception of one disqualification early in his career. This came 15 years ago, in 2009, when Jones was just 22 years old, in his fourth UFC fight against Matt Hamill. During the match, Jones landed several downward elbows, some of which may have missed their target, but others clearly struck. After multiple 12-6 elbows, the referee called it a foul, resulting in Jones being disqualified.

Years later, now that the ban has been lifted, Jon Jones continues to reflect on that loss and wishes for it to be overturned. Despite Dana White’s support, no action has been taken. As retirement looms, Jones has made it clear that he intends to use the controversial 12-6 elbows in his remaining UFC bouts. Speaking with Kevin Iole, Jones shared his feelings: “It just makes me wish that disqualification was overturned. That’s the biggest feeling I have now that the rule is no more. On the other hand, I accept it more than ever and have been training extensively on different 12-6 elbow attacks.”

With Donn Davis recently legalizing 12-6 elbows in the PFL, what are your thoughts on this change? Could the removal of the elbow ban help the PFL catch up to the UFC, considering the UFC’s massive lead in business and legacy? Drop your opinion below!