Discover the groundbreaking acquisition of Bellator MMA by the PFL, marking a new era in mixed martial arts. Read about the merger, the future plans, and the impact on the MMA landscape.
| Key Points |
|---|
| PFL acquires Bellator MMA in a groundbreaking deal |
| Champion versus champion ‘mega event’ in the works |
| Bellator becomes the number two MMA organization behind the UFC |
| Bellator International Champions Series to feature eight events per year |
| Bellator fighters can compete in PFL tournaments and ‘superfight’ series |
| Scott Coker offered a position within the new structure |
| PFL plans for a big 2024 with ESPN partnership and Jake Paul collaboration |
Donn Davis, chairman of the Saudi-backed PFL, announced on Monday the official acquisition of Bellator MMA. This groundbreaking deal marks a significant shift in the landscape of mixed martial arts.
The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, but it has been reported that PFL stock was included in the deal, giving Paramount, Bellator’s former rights owner, minority ownership. As part of the agreement, a champion versus champion ‘mega event’ between the two promotions is currently in the works.
The acquisition gained additional momentum in October when Showtime announced the closure of its sports division by the end of 2023. This meant that both boxing and MMA needed to find new broadcast homes, and Paramount sought to offload Bellator.
Bellator, which was launched in 2008 and acquired by Viacom in 2011, recognized that its future relied on finding another franchise with solidified TV rights. Now, with the merger of PFL and Bellator, the organization becomes the undisputed number two MMA organization, second only to the UFC.
Donn Davis, in an interview with ESPN, emphasized the importance of the quality of competitors in sports. He stated, ‘With this acquisition, this combined roster is now equal to the UFC in terms of Top 25-ranked talent. The quality and depth of the product make the PFL a global powerhouse overnight. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’
The Bellator International Champions Series
Under the new structure, Bellator will operate as its own promotion within PFL, known as the Bellator International Champions Series. This innovative system will feature eight events per year, with each card showcasing two title fights.
Bellator fighters under contract will have the opportunity to compete in the PFL, including the season-long tournaments and the upcoming ‘superfight’ series on pay-per-view, set to launch in 2024.
A New Chapter for Bellator
Bellator president Scott Coker has yet to comment on the acquisition. However, Donn Davis reportedly extended an offer to Coker and his team at Bellator to join the new structure.
Bellator recently hosted its final event in Chicago before the sale. The announcement of the acquisition came just ahead of the 2023 PFL Championship Finals in Washington, D.C.
A Promising Future
The PFL is poised for a momentous year in 2024. With its existing partnership with ESPN in the U.S. and the newly announced collaboration with Jake Paul for his first MMA fight, the PFL is set to deliver what MMA fans have been eagerly anticipating: the best versus the best in the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions Mega-Event.
