Discover the reimagined Bellator Champions Series and how it aims to surpass non-PPV UFC events. Learn about the unique platform it provides for fighters and the market it serves. Get all the details here.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Bellator 302 | March 22, 2024 |
The Bellator Champions Series, a reimagined version of Bellator MMA, is set to kick off with Bellator 302 on March 22, 2024. This event is the first of eight cards scheduled for the year and will feature two title fights. PFL founder Donn Davis believes that the Bellator Champions Series will outshine non-pay-per-view (PPV) UFC events, thanks to the abundance of top talent that could not participate in the PFL season. With a focus on delivering high-quality events and providing opportunities for fighters, the Bellator Champions Series aims to revolutionize the MMA landscape.
The Future of Bellator Champions Series
Donn Davis, the founder of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), is highly optimistic about the reimagined Bellator Champions Series. PFL recently acquired Bellator MMA and has rebranded it as Bellator Champions Series, with the first event, Bellator 302, scheduled for March 22 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The Bellator Champions Series is set to feature eight cards throughout the year, each showcasing two title fights. According to Davis, these events will surpass every non-pay-per-view (PPV) UFC event in terms of quality and talent.
Davis explained, "We could have called it PFL, but Bellator has a lot of brand equity. When you look at the schedule and who’s fighting on them, two title fights for every event, it will be better than every UFC event that’s not pay-per-view (PPV), which are great. If you just tune into Saturday on ESPN, every Bellator Champions series is a better card because there’s such an excess of top talent that could not participate in the PFL season with our Bellator acquisition. So, we’re very committed to that. We think that’s going to be the right model. We think that’s what the market is telling us in terms of media companies, in terms of fighters, in terms of the right approach. But we just reimagined this product. The first one is March 22nd. I think it’s gonna be great."
The acquisition of Bellator MMA by PFL initially caused uncertainty among contracted fighters, but Davis assures that the new promotion will complement the existing PFL model. While PFL continues to run season tournaments and PPV Super Fight cards, Bellator Champions Series will provide a platform for fighters who cannot participate in the season format due to physical or economic constraints.
Davis emphasized the importance of Bellator in serving the market for fans and fighters. He stated, "Bellator is very important, we think, for the company and for the fans for a few reasons. One, us having a one-off event product is very helpful for us because certain fighters can’t compete in the season format. Physically, they can’t do four fights a year. Certain fighters, economically, that’s not where they are in their life. Patchy Mix? That’s not where he is in his life. Globally, there’s more demand for the PFL company’s product and we don’t want that league season to be more than it is. That’s the perfect product. Those 10 events, we don’t want to have it more for the season and we don’t wanna dilute that. So that’s where Bellator comes in, to serve the market for fans and fighters."
In conclusion, the Bellator Champions Series aims to revolutionize the MMA landscape by delivering high-quality events that rival non-PPV UFC cards. With a focus on top talent and exciting matchups, these events are expected to captivate fans and provide opportunities for fighters who may not fit into the traditional season format.
