Professional Fighters League acquires rival MMA promotion Bellator in ‘transformative deal’

In a groundbreaking move that’s set to shake up the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has just dropped a bombshell: they’ve acquired their rival, Bellator, in what they’re calling a “transformative deal.” It’s the kind of announcement that sends shockwaves through the MMA community, leaving fans and fighters alike buzzing with excitement.

This acquisition means that the PFL, known for its innovative approach to MMA, is taking a giant leap forward. While Paramount will still hold a minority stake in Bellator, the PFL is ready to steer the ship into a new era of combat sports. What does this mean for fans? Well, first off, fear not, because the Bellator brand is here to stay. In fact, get ready for a clash of titans in 2024 when the PFL Champions go head-to-head with the Bellator Champions in an event that promises to be nothing short of epic.

Donn Davis, the founder and chairman of PFL, couldn’t be more thrilled about this development. He proudly declared, “PFL is now a global powerhouse in MMA.” And it’s hard to argue with that statement. With this strategic move, PFL is on a mission to redefine the sport and establish itself as a leader in the industry.

But who’s at the helm of this new MMA empire? Fear not, because the dynamic duo of Donn Davis and Peter Murray, PFL’s CEO, will continue to steer the ship. Their leadership has been instrumental in bringing us this exciting merger, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Both the PFL and Bellator have had their sights set on challenging the mighty UFC, and by joining forces, they’re poised to do just that. Notably, the combined roster of fighters now boasts an impressive 30% who are independently ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight classes. That’s a lineup of talent that’s hard to match.

But the ambitions don’t stop there. PFL has big plans, including the launch of the Bellator International Champions Series, which will feature eight fight events each year, held in major cities across the globe. It’s a testament to their commitment to bringing the best of MMA to fans worldwide.

Peter Murray, PFL CEO, summed it up perfectly: “The combined PFL and Bellator fighter rosters are second to none in MMA.” And he’s absolutely right. MMA fans have long dreamed of seeing the best of the best face off, and with the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions Mega-Event on the horizon, that dream is about to become a reality.

This acquisition also means that Bellator becomes one of the five live fight franchises within the PFL, alongside the PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, and PFL International Leagues. It’s a powerhouse lineup that promises a diverse array of MMA action for fans to sink their teeth into.

And speaking of exciting matchups, keep an eye out for former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who’s part of the PFL PPV Super Fights franchise. While he’s yet to make his debut in the PFL, his presence adds even more star power to an already stacked roster.

As if that weren’t enough, there’s more MMA action on the horizon. A subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) recently acquired a minority stake in the PFL, paving the way for the launch of an MMA league and Super Fight division in Saudi Arabia. The first Super Fight event is slated for 2024, and it’s bound to be a historic moment in the world of combat sports.

In the ever-evolving world of MMA, this acquisition is a game-changer. With the PFL and Bellator joining forces, fans can look forward to a new era of thrilling matchups, fierce rivalries, and global MMA dominance. Strap in, fight fans, because the action is only heating up, and the future of MMA has never looked brighter.

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More about MMAGameChanger

• Professional Fighters League (PFL)
• Bellator MMA
• Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
• Donn Davis, PFL Founder and Chairman
• Peter Murray, PFL CEO
• Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)
• Bellator International Champions Series