PFL 1 2022: Don Madge Thinks PFL Debut Was Great Introduction, But He Wants More

Arlington, TX — 2021 was a horrible year for Don Madge, but he feels like his PFL debut was a great introduction to who he is.

With three fight cancellations in the UFC and then being let go from promotion, Madge’s year last year was a roller coaster of emotions. On top of that, he had not fought since 2019, when he beat Fares Ziam via unanimous decision. The year was saved when Madge (10-3-1) finally got back to fighting and put the PFL lightweight division on notice.

The South African made his Professional Fighters League debut as a PFL showcase fight during the 2021 championship card last October. He submitted his opponent, Nathan Williams, via rear-naked choke.

Madge told Cageside Press during Monday’s PFL 1 media day that it was a perfect introduction.

“I think so [it was perfect]. You got to see a little a bit of everything,” Madge said during the media day. “As soon as I finished the fight, I went to my coach, and I was like, ‘Ah, I wanted to do this, and I wanted to do this.’ There was so much more that I wanted to do and showcase. But obviously, you just play as the fight goes, but I do believe I showed quite a bit of my skillset on the feet on the ground.”

In terms of anything he would change, “I just wish I had a bit more energy to do more,” Madge said. “I was holding back a bit so I wouldn’t gas out because I was sick. Other than that, I thought it was a pretty good performance.”

For his second fight in the PFL, Don Madge takes on the 2021 lightweight champion Raush Manfio. While that might be a lot for some other fighters, Madge hand-picked Manfio. And with a dominant win, he would put the entire division on notice once again.

Watch the rest of Don Madge’s media day interview above. Madge takes on Manfio at PFL 1, live on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at the ESports Stadium in Arlington, TX.