Dakota Bush targets PFL lightweight rankings after 34-second debut KO

Dakota Bush will step back into the PFL cage at PFL Tampa on Saturday, 22 August, facing Morquez Forest in a lightweight showcase bout, weeks after announcing his arrival in the promotion with a 34-second first-round knockout.

The finish — the fastest of Bush’s career — came in his PFL debut following stints in the UFC and Legacy Fighting Alliance. Bush says the move has given him the platform he felt he always needed.

“It’s been amazing, man,” Bush told Sherdog.com. “It just kind of validated what everyone around me already knew. I believe I’m one of the best fighters in the world, I just needed a platform to prove it on, and the PFL has done that for me. I’m super excited to get back in there again and show my updated skill set and prove to the world that I am one of the best out there.”

Despite the explosive start, Bush is not looking to leapfrog the division overnight. His stated focus is on stacking performances rather than chasing a title shot prematurely.

“Everyone wants to be the champion, that sounds great when you put it on paper, but for me, my goal every time I step into the cage is just to have my best performance to date,” he said. “When you do that and you don’t look too far ahead, you just focus on stacking them wins, and you get in the position I’m in right now. Business first in Tampa — I’ve got to check that box first, and get another great finish.”

Bush arrives at PFL Tampa at a significant moment for the organisation, which is currently merging with Most Valuable Promotions, a shift he believes will open up opportunities across the roster.

On Forest, who carries an 8-1 record and experience in the CFFC promotion, Bush is respectful but direct. “He’s a tough guy — he’s well-rounded, he does the right things — but I just think that I’m a better fighter all across the board. It’s my job to go out there and prove that to him, to the world, and to myself.”

While Bush prefers the quick finish, he acknowledges that preparation for a full fight is non-negotiable. He cited his family — and the example he wants to set for his children — as a driving force behind his discipline and resilience heading into Tampa.