PFL Officially Buys Bellator to Create Global MMA Powerhouse
The PFL has officially purchased Bellator. After months of speculation from fans, PFL founder Donn Davis has confirmed that Bellator is now under new ownership.
Davis confirmed the fact in a post on November 20:
"New MMA global powerhouse. PFL acquires Bellator. Our fighter roster equal to UFC - both 30% top 25 world ranked fighters. PFL launched reimagined Bellator - Bellator international series. Mega-event for fans in 2024 - PFL champs vs. Bellator champs."
Not much information has been given right now, but Davis hinted at a promotional "mega-event" including PFL champions vs. Bellator champions in 2024.
The Bellator brand will continue for now, primarily overseas according to Ariel Helwani:
This means Bellator's roster of fighters will be assimilated into the PFL's rankings, similar to Strikeforce with the UFC.
Champ vs. champ matchups will have to be decided after PFL 10 on Friday November 24, where six new PFL champions will be crowned in the 2023 finals.
PFL only uses six weight divisions compared to Bellator's nine, so there won't be a PFL counterpart for some of the Bellator champions:
| Division | Bellator Champions | PFL 2022 Champions |
|---|---|---|
Strawweight | --- | --- |
Women's Flyweight | Liz Carmouche | --- |
Flyweight | --- | --- |
Women's Bantamweight | --- | --- |
Bantamweight | Patchy Mix | --- |
Women's Featherweight | Cris Cyborg | Larissa Pacheco |
Featherweight | Patricio Pitbull | Brendan Loughnane |
Lightweight | Usman Nurmagomedov | Olivier Aubin-Mercier |
Welterweight | Jason Jackson | Sadibou Sy |
Middleweight | Johnny Eblen | --- |
Light heavyweight | Vadim Nemkov | Robert Wilkinson |
Heavyweight | Ryan Bader | Ante Delija |
Most notably, PFL has a "super fight" division, which isn't determined by weight. The biggest names in this division are Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul.
PFL is swiftly assembling a formidable lineup and is poised to make a significant impact in 2024 with their impressive roster of emerging stars, endless funding, and growing popularity.
Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA