Professional Fighters League (PFL) has acquired Bellator MMA, creating a game-changing merger in the world of mixed martial arts. This article explores the details of the merger, the impact on the sport, and the exciting prospects for fans.
| PFL Acquires Bellator MMA: A Game-Changing Merger
Professional Fighters League (PFL) has acquired Bellator MMA, merging two of the biggest entities in the sport. This groundbreaking merger creates a true competitor to the UFC and brings together a deep roster of talented fighters. The Bellator branding will remain, but the organization will be reimagined as Bellator International Champions Series, operating with one-off events. The merger opens the door for superfights and exciting matchups between top fighters from both organizations. This game-changing merger marks a new era in mixed martial arts.
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PFL Acquires Bellator MMA: A Game-Changing Merger
Professional Fighters League (PFL) has made a groundbreaking move in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) by acquiring Bellator MMA. This merger brings together two of the biggest entities in the sport, creating a true competitor to the UFC. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but Paramount Global will continue as a minority owner.
The acquisition talks between PFL and Bellator started in January, and now Bellator’s roster will be folded into PFL. However, the Bellator branding will remain intact as Bellator International Champions Series. This new iteration of Bellator will operate similarly to traditional MMA promotions, holding one-off events rather than following the PFL season format.
In 2023, Bellator MMA held 13 events, but under the Bellator International Champions Series, this number will be reduced to eight events. These events will primarily take place in international cities, with a possibility of a few events in the United States. Elbow strikes, which were not allowed in the PFL season format, will now be legal in Bellator International Champions Series.
The Bellator championship belts will continue to be defended at these events. Bellator International Champions Series will join PFL’s other brands, including PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, and PFL International League, to provide 30 premium events per year.
The debut of Bellator International Champions Series is set for March, preceding the PFL 2024 season in April. PFL plans to expand the number of events in 2025 and is also working on a one-off crossover event that will pit PFL and Bellator champions against each other. This mega-event will feature seven weight classes and is expected to be a thrilling showdown between the best fighters from both organizations.
With this merger, the collective roster of PFL and Bellator has significantly deepened. While the UFC still dominates the top rankings in the men’s weight divisions, there are now a substantial number of heavyweights, light heavyweights, welterweights, lightweights, and featherweights contracted to PFL and Bellator. Additionally, PFL now holds a near-monopoly on the women’s featherweight division, allowing for exciting superfights between top fighters such as Cris Cyborg, Larissa Pacheco, and Kayla Harrison.
More details about Bellator events, distribution, partnerships, and management will be announced in the future. This merger marks a new era in MMA, where PFL and Bellator come together to challenge the status quo and provide fans with unparalleled competition and entertainment.
