Bellator will continue to operate under its own brand, sharing its roster of fighters with PFL.
PFL also plans to launch a regional league headquarters in Saudi Arabia next year.
PFL plans to host a 'mega event' in 2024, featuring champion vs. champion matchups.
The acquisition was facilitated by a $100 million investment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has acquired Bellator MMA, positioning itself as a direct competitor to the UFC.
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has completed its acquisition of Bellator MMA, a move that is expected to significantly reshape the landscape of the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) industry. The acquisition, which was facilitated by a $100 million investment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, positions PFL as a direct competitor to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Bellator, previously owned by Paramount, will continue to operate under its own brand, sharing its roster of fighters with PFL. Paramount will retain a minority stake in the company. PFL also plans to host a 'mega event' in 2024, featuring champion vs. champion matchups. However, Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix and middleweight champion Johnny Eblen will not be part of this event, as PFL does not have bantamweight and middleweight divisions. This decision has sparked outrage among fans, some of whom have labeled it 'promotional malpractice'.
The acquisition has drawn reactions from various figures in the MMA industry. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou acknowledged the development, while UFC CEO Dana White has expressed criticism. PFL founder Donn Davis, however, believes that White's comments indicate his concern about the potential disruption caused by the merger. Davis argues that the combined company now stands as a 'co-leader' with UFC, with 30% of its roster ranked in the top 25 of Fight Matrix rankings, similar to UFC.
In addition to the acquisition, PFL plans to launch a regional league headquarters in Saudi Arabia next year, further expanding its global footprint.
PFL founder Donn Davis believes that UFC CEO Dana White is worried about PFL's acquisition of Bellator.
Davis argues that the combined company now stands as a 'co-leader' with UFC, with 30% of its roster ranked in the top 25 of Fight Matrix rankings, similar to UFC.
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Davis believes the PFL-Bellator merger puts them as 'co-leaders' with the UFC. - This is a subjective statement from Davis, positioning his company favorably against UFC.
Davis believes the talk of PFL acquiring Bellator, which was finally made official Monday, has been worrying White and the UFC. - This statement is based on Davis's belief, not on any direct statement or evidence from White or UFC.
Despite criticism from UFC CEO Dana White, PFL raised $500 million, backed by a $100 million investment from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix and middleweight champion Johnny Eblen won't be part of the PFL vs. Bellator champions event, as the PFL doesn't have bantamweight and middleweight divisions. This has led to fan outrage, with some calling it 'promotional malpractice'.