The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is in talks to acquire Bellator, challenging the dominance of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). This move follows a $100 million investment in PFL by a Saudi-backed sports company. Learn more about the negotiations and PFL’s ambition to expand its talent pool and influence.
| Key Points |
- The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is in negotiations to acquire Bellator, a major competitor in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).
- PFL aims to challenge the dominance of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and expand its talent pool.
- Paramount Global, the entertainment group that owns Bellator, has not yet commented on the talks.
- PFL’s founder, Donn Davis, emphasizes the league’s goal of acquiring top talent and becoming a co-leader in MMA alongside the UFC.
- The Public Investment Fund may increase its investment in PFL and establish a Middle East and North Africa league based in Saudi Arabia.
- PFL’s investment is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and attract investment and tourism to the country.
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is currently engaged in negotiations to acquire Bellator, a major competitor in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). This move comes after PFL received a $100 million investment from a newly established sports company backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign Public Investment Fund. Founded in 2017 by US entrepreneur Donn Davis, PFL aims to rival the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which has long been the dominant force in MMA. With discussions ongoing, PFL seeks to expand its talent pool and challenge the UFC’s mainstream popularity. Paramount Global, the entertainment group that owns Bellator, has not yet commented on the talks. PFL currently boasts a roster of over 70 fighters, and acquiring Bellator would further strengthen its position in the sport and increase Saudi Arabia’s influence. While PFL founder Donn Davis did not confirm the negotiations, he emphasized the league’s goal of acquiring top talent. UFC CEO Dana White previously criticized the Saudi investment in PFL, questioning the rationale behind it. However, Davis highlighted that PFL is in a growth phase, aiming to become a co-leader in MMA alongside the UFC. The Public Investment Fund may increase its investment in PFL, aligning with its ambition to establish a Middle East and North Africa league based in Saudi Arabia. The deal also includes the hosting of PFL pay-per-view fights in Saudi Arabia, including a highly anticipated match between former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and influencer/boxer Jake Paul. This investment by PFL is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and attract investment and tourism to the country, despite facing criticism for its human rights record.
