As per a press release, the rumoured purchase of Bellator from the Professional Fighters League (PFL) is now official. What we know so far is that the brand will continue, primarily overseas under PFL ownership (for now). This news comes off the back of Bellator 301 and ahead of this weekend’s PFL Finals Event.
The purchase has been heavily rumoured for months and with the PFL quickly becoming the second best MMA promotion out there and Bellator constantly being at the top of the discussion, it makes a lot of sense. The amalgamated promotions will continue that assault on the UFC to sit atop the pile.
PFL founder, Donn Davis will be on Ariel Helwani’s ‘MMA Hour’ so later today to discuss the purchase in more detail. He claimed in an article with the Financial Times, however, that: “The combined PFL Bellator roster now has 30% of its fighters who are ranked in the top 25 in the world by fight matrix. That’s the same as the UFC”.
What we know so far
- The price has not yet been disclosed
- Paramount (Bellator’s former owners) will retain a minority stake
- Both promotions will remain separate, however, they will share a roster of fighters
- Bellator will remain as a separate, ‘reimagined’ brand with a Bellator International Champions Series
- There will be a “mega event” in 2024 which will be built around PFL champions vs. Bellator Champions
Keep it locked to MMASucka for further details on the purchase.
